Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

Date Administration Action Congressional Action

The Senate Aging Committee will hold a hearing on “Caring for May 21 Seniors Amid the COVID-19 Crisis.” The Senate Homeland Security Committee will hold a business meeting to consider the nomination of Brian Miller to serve as Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery.

The Senate Commerce Committee will hold an executive session during which it will consider the Restoring Safety in the May 20 Skies Act, which would establish a joint task force on the operation of air travel during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Protections will hold a hearing on “Examining the Federal Government’s Actions to Protect Workers from COVID-19.” The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing on “The Quarterly CARES Act Report to Congress” with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chairman Powell.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs will hold a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs May 19 Response to COVID-19.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a teleconference forum with FCC Chairman Pai on consumer protection, broadband and spectrum issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump formally announced that former GlaxoSmithKline vaccines chief The House is expected to pass the HEROES Act, Democratic Moncef Slaoui will serve as Chief Scientist for Operation Warp Speed, the leadership’s $3 trillion Phase 4 proposal. Ahead of the vote, government’s effort to develop and deliver a coronavirus vaccine. General Gustave Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) wrote a letter to colleagues urging them Perna will serve as Chief Operating Officer. to support the bill. May 15

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that three nationwide waivers will be extended to provide child nutrition program operators with additional flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 1 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a notice to inform the public that it is exercising enforcement discretion for noncompliance with HIPAA requirements in connection with good faith participation in the operation of COVID-19 Community-Based Testing Sites (CBTS). The President delivered remarks on COVID-19 testing. House Democratic leadership offered a revised version of the HEROES Act that scales back the initial student debt relief During a visit to Owens & Minor in Pennsylvania, the President announced new proposal and adds $1 million for a study on the spread of actions to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile. The President also signed an coronavirus-related disinformation. Executive Order invoking the Defense Production Act to authorize the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support domestic production of strategic The House Rules Committee met to consider The HEROES Act resources needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, including strengthening and a resolution to authorize remote voting by proxy and relevant domestic supply chains. provide for official remote committee proceedings.

The Treasury Department published guidance for completing supplemental requests The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health for information to determine the second distribution of the Coronavirus Relief Fund to held a hearing on “Protecting Scientific Integrity in COVID-19 Tribal governments. Response.”

The Small Business Administration (SBA) published updated data on Paycheck Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Warner (D-VA) and Reps. Protection Program Round 2 loans. Eshoo (D-CA), Schakowsky (D-IL), and DelBene (D-WA) introduced the Public Health Emergency Privacy Act to establish The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced it is extending its foreclosure enforceable privacy and data security rights for health May 14 and eviction moratorium through June 30 for homeowners with FHA-insured Single information collected during the pandemic. Family mortgages and supporting new FHA-insured mortgage originations by extending temporary policy flexibilities for lenders and appraisers. Senator Shaheen (D-NH) introduced a bill to modify the accelerated and advance payment programs under Medicare The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved New Hampshire to operate Pandemic Parts A and B during the COVID-19 emergency. Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced a bill to help charitable nonprofit organizations provide services to meet the increasing The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $5 million is demand in community needs caused by the coronavirus available to support studies that evaluate the responsiveness of healthcare delivery pandemic, preserve and create jobs in the nonprofit sector, systems, healthcare professionals, and the overall US healthcare system to the COVID- reduce unemployment, and promote economic recovery. 19 pandemic. Senator Smith (D-MN) introduced a bill to require HHS to The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert to inform consumers that provide updated information about COVID-19 testing to the early data suggest potential inaccurate results from using the Abbott ID NOW point-of- public. care test to diagnose COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 2 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for infusion pumps and Senator Smith (D-MN) introduced a bill to require group health infusion pump accessories for COVID-19. plans and health insurers to provide coverage for services furnished via telehealth if such services would be covered if The FDA issued updated guidance for pharmacy compounders that experience furnished in-person during the COVID-19 emergency. shortages of PPE they typically use to compound human drugs intended to be sterile. Senator Casey (D-PA) introduced a bill to assist older Americans The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new clinical trial of and people with disabilities affected by COVID-19. hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat COVID-19. Senator Casey (D-PA) introduced a bill to increase access to The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a Safety Alert for rideshare, taxi, and car service food delivery under SNAP to address COVID-19. safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. DOL also issued a Safety Alert for retail pharmacy workers. Rep. Slotkin (D-M) introduced a bill to require a report regarding all state, local, tribal, and territorial requests for DOL announced updated guidance for states regarding the Pandemic Emergency supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. Unemployment Compensation program. Rep. Veasey (D-TX) introduced a bill to provide a benefit for The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published guidance for broadband service during COVID-19. reopening schools, workplaces, camps, childcare programs, mass transit systems, and bars and restaurants. Rep. Green (D-TX) introduced a bill to establish a Minority Business Development Agency to support the economic The Department of Labor published an unemployment insurance weekly claims report resilience of minority business enterprises during and after the showing that in the week ending May 9, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted COVID-19 outbreak. initial claims was over 2.98 million, a decrease of 195,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 15.7% Rep. Gonzalez (D-TX) introduced a bill to provide flexibility for the week ending in May 2. under federal housing assistance programs to respond to COVID-19. The Federal Reserve issued a report on the economic well-being of US households with supplemental data from April 2020 that shows dramatic changes in financial Rep. Davis (D-IL) introduced a bill to provide emergency conditions for people impacted by COVID-19. assistance to families through home visiting programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Collins (R-GA) introduced a bill to authorize sanctions with respect to China for its obstruction or failure to cooperate in investigations related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Rep. Chu (D-CA) introduced a bill to provide funding to states, localities, and community-based organizations for emergency aid and services in response to COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 3 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Allred (D-TX) introduced a bill to direct the VA to increase the amount of certain payments during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Levin (D-MI) introduced a bill to create a Coronavirus Containment Corps. The Treasury Department updated FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) The Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on “The State and the Small Business Administration (SBA) updated Paycheck Protection Program of Broadband Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.” (PPP) Round 2 data. Treasury also published a new interim final rule on PPP loan increases and an interim final rule on eligibility of certain electric cooperatives. The House Small Business Committee held a virtual forum with Paycheck Protection Program lenders. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a new payment deferral option for homeowners in COVID-19 forbearance House Judiciary Committee Democrats held a virtual forum on plans. the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) response to COVID-19. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it awarded $15 million to 159 organizations across five healthcare workforce programs to increase Senators Wyden (D-OR), Manchin (D-WV), Romney (R-UT), telehealth capabilities in response to COVID-19. Gardner (R-CO), and Leahy (D-VT) introduced the Paycheck Protection Program Deadline Extension Adjustment for Loans The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (DEAL) Act to extend the PPP loan forgiveness period from eight announced $40 million in emergency COVID-19 grant funding is available for suicide to 16 weeks and amend the rehire date from June 30 to 16 prevention. weeks after the loan is awarded. May 13 HHS and the Department of Defense (DOD) announced a $138 million contract to Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Cantwell (D- expand capability for domestically manufactured, medical-grade injections devices WA) wrote to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin urging the suitable for combatting COVID-19 when a proven vaccine becomes available. Department to revise eligibility criteria for CARES Act relief to include commercial and defense aerospace businesses. DOD announced a $134 million contract to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel at 15,000 nursing homes. A group of Senate Democrats introduced the Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act to require major airlines and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new toolkit for third-party ticket sellers to offer full cash refunds for all nursing homes, governors, states, departments of health, and other agencies with cancelled tickets during the coronavirus pandemic. additional resources to support COVID-19 response efforts. House and Senate Democrats introduced the Supporting The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has maintained an increasing Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act to supply of beds for both veterans and COVID-19 patients, steady supplies nationwide, provide federal support for colleges and universities to help and stable staffing in the vast majority of VA locations during the national emergency. ensure students with the greatest financial need can access internet services and essential equipment during the pandemic.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 4 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a new pilot program will Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Wicker (R-MS) and prioritize certain patent applications for products or processes that are subject to an Ranking Member Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a bill to require applicable FDA approval for COVID-19 use. the Department of Transportation to support state and local government efforts to provide for priority testing of essential The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published interim guidance for critical infrastructure workers. state, local, territorial, and tribal governments on developing jurisdictional plans for implementation and enhancement of COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing Senator Cruz (R-TX) introduced a bill to authorize funding for a efforts. bilateral cooperative program with Israel for the development of health technologies with a focus on combating COVID-19. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a predictive modeling tool to estimate natural decay of SARS-CoV-2 under a range of temperatures and relative Senator Duckworth (D-IL) introduced a bill to prohibit the VA humidity to assist response efforts and estimate the environmental persistence of the from charging veterans copayments or preventative services virus under certain combinations of temperature and humidity. relating to COVID-19.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will continue to Senator Harris (D-CA) introduced a bill to establish a COVID-19 support seven COVID-19 Community-Based Testing Sites in Texas through June 30. Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force.

FEMA announced $14.7 million in additional funding for COVID-19 response in Senator Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to require DOD to Colorado. provide certain members of the National Guard serving on active service in response to COVID-19 with transitional health The Department of Education issued a technical assistance document to assist benefits. postsecondary institutions with meeting their obligations under federal civil rights laws during the COVID-19 pandemic. House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Burgess (R-TX) wrote to Chairwoman Eshoo (D-CA) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a map with country- requesting a hearing on COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and specific travel health information about COVID-19. personal protective equipment and in a separate letter, requested a hearing on distribution of provider relief. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended its emergency declaration through June 14 granting relief from certain regulations to support Reps. Doggett (D-TX) and DeLauro (D-CT) wrote to Secretary of transport of essential supplies, equipment, and persons. Health and Human Services Azar regarding their request for information on clinical trial data and allocation for remdesivir.

Rep. Vargas (D-CA) introduced a bill to enhance authorities under the Defense Production Act to respond to the COVID-19 emergency, to provide additional oversight of such authorities, and to require a strategy on security supply chains for medical materials.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 5 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Suozzi (D-NY) introduced a bill to establish a COVID-19 skilled nursing facility payment incentive program.

Rep. Sanchez (D-CA) introduced a bill to ensure communications accessibility for residents of skilled nursing facilities during COVID-19.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced a bill to prohibit Treasury and the Federal Reserve from waiving provisions related to COVID-19 emergency relief and taxpayer protections related to such relief.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced a bill to require major corporations received federal aid related to COVID-19 to make annual payments of equity to employees of the corporation while such aid is outstanding.

Rep. Horsford (D-NV) introduced a bill to require long term care facilities to report certain information relating to COVID-10 cases and deaths.

Rep. Bass (D-CA) introduced a bill to temporarily preserve eligibility for foster care benefits, and suspend certain education and work requirements, for youth who would otherwise age out of eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration (SBA) updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) House Democrats unveiled The HEROES Act, their proposed Round 2 data. Phase 4 coronavirus response legislation. Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) announced that the House will return to Washington to The Treasury Department announced it has approved over $25 billion in Payroll consider the legislation on Friday, May 15. Support Program assistance to 352 applicants in the aviation industry, including all major passenger air carriers, more than 260 smaller passenger carriers, and cargo The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee carriers and contractors. The Department also announced a public database of held a hearing on “COVID-19: Safely Getting Back to Work and May 12 Program participants and relief. Back to School.”

The Federal Reserve updated the term sheet and FAQs for the Term Asset-Backed The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on “Examining Securities Loan Facility (TALF), which will initially make up to $100 billion of loans Liability During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” available to help ensure consumers and businesses can access credit at affordable terms. The Fed also announced the information it will publicly disclose for the TALF The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (PPPLF) on a monthly basis held a business meeting to consider Brian Miller’s nomination

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 6 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline (participant names, amounts borrowed, interest rates charged, value of pledged to be Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, collateral, and overall costs, revenues, and fees for each facility). Department of the Treasury.

The Treasury Department announced that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will Senator Murphy (D-CT) introduced a bill to modify the begin purchasing shares of eligible US-listed exchange-traded funds in the secondary Restaurant Meals Program in response to COVID-19. market through the Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility (SMCCF) and that once operational, the Primary Market Corporate Credit Facility (PMCCF) will provide Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced a bill to provide for E-Rate loan and bond financing to US companies with investment grade debt ratings. The support for Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and connected SMCCF and PMCCF are supported by a $75 billion equity investment using CARES Act devices during emergency periods related to COVID-19. funds. Rep. Turner (R-OH) introduced a bill to provide expanded The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a proposed rule to mitigate unemployment protection for employees and a limitation on the deposit insurance assessment effect of participation in the Paycheck Protection liability for employers with respect to COVID-19 exposure. Program (PPP), the PPP Lending Facility, and the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility. Rep. Spanberger (D-VA) introduced a bill to direct the Comptroller General to submit a report describing the response The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Consumer Financial of certain entities to the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to Protection Bureau (CFPB), and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a the development, regulatory evaluation, and deployment of new mortgage and housing assistance website for Americans impacted by COVID-19. diagnostics tests.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Ohio to operate Pandemic Electronic Rep. Pappas (D-NH) introduced a bill to authorize funding for a Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or bilateral cooperative program with Israel for the development reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. of health technologies with a focus on combating COVID-19.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a second Enforcement Notice Rep. Green (D-TX) introduced a bill to establish a payroll loan regarding airline ticket refunds during the COVID-19 emergency and issued a Notice of facility for small financial institutions affected by COVID-19. Adjustments to Service Obligations, an opportunity for incremental adjustments to service obligations under a previous Order that allows covered carriers to reduce Rep. Trone (D-MD) introduced a bill to provide reimbursements service amid the pandemic. for childcare operational emergency costs of certain institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary final rule to change certain H-2B requirements to help support the US food supply chain, maintain Rep. Underwood (D-IL) introduced a bill to prohibit the VA from essential infrastructure operations, and reduce the impact from the COVID-19 public charging veterans copayments for preventative services related health emergency. to COVID-19.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued updated information for blood Rep. Takano (D-CA) introduced a bill to provide for coverage of establishments regarding COVID-19 that aligns with the agency’s guidance on non-congregate shelter for the COVID-19 emergency. convalescent plasma.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 7 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a nurse call system to Rep. Schneider (D-IL) introduced a bill to modify the accelerated reduce contact, and therefore risk of exposure to COVID-19, between healthcare and advance payment programs under Medicare Parts A and B providers and patients in insolation rooms. FDA also issued an EUA for an during the COVID-19 emergency. electrocardiogram tool to screen for potential cardiac complications associated with COVID-19. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced a bill to establish a fund to provide financial assistance for funeral expenses related to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published considerations for COVID-19. purchasing respirators for another country, including KN95 respirators from China. Rep. Huffman (D-CA) introduced a bill to expand the HUD The CDC published considerations for public aquatic venues and guidance for funerals. housing choice voucher program to provide temporary housing during the COVID-19 crisis. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced funding allocated to South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee for emergency food and Rep. Houlahan (D-PA) introduced a bill to establish a national shelter programs. public health service program to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published updated interim occupational and safety guidance for air carriers and crews. Rep. Davis (R-IL) introduced a bill to establish a Health Care Protection Program Fund to provide grants to employers to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the List N Tool, an app to help ensure continuity of coverage under a group health plan quickly identify disinfectant products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against the virus through the COVID-19 pandemic and provide for premium that causes COVID-19. assistance for COBRA benefits.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it accepted a donation of 500,000 Rep. Cleaver (D-MO) introduced a bill to suspend certain protective masks from the Republic of Korea. requirements under the public housing and housing choice voucher programs during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Adams (D-NC) introduced a bill to provide reimbursements for the emergency operational costs of school food authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Thompson (D-CA) introduced a bill to provide a payroll credit for certain fixed expenses of employers subject to closure by reason of COVID-19.

President Trump announced the Administration will distribute $11 billion and 12 Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY) said Treasury Secretary million swabs to states, territories, and tribes for testing. Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chairman Powell will brief May 11 senators on economic recovery plans on May 19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 8 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Federal Reserve updated the term sheet and FAQs for the Municipal Liquidity In a letter to colleagues, Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) called for putting Facility (MLF) to provide pricing and other information. MLF will offer up to $500 “more money in the pockets of the American people” and said billion in lending to states and municipalities to help manage COVID-19-related cash “direct payments, unemployment insurance, rental and flow stresses. mortgage help, and student loan assistance are essential.” She also called for “a clear strategy of testing, tracing, and The Treasury Department published Coronavirus Relief Fund payments to states and treatment.” eligible units of local government. Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) advised members that the House The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the allocation may meet this week, no earlier than Friday, May 15. Members of a $1 billion in CARES Act funding through the Community Development Block will be given 72 hours’ notice of the need to return. Program. The House Energy and Commerce Committee will held a The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Texas and New Jersey to operate teleconference forum with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children Chairman Simons on consumer protection issues related to the eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. COVID-19 pandemic. A recording is available.

The Department of Education published FAQs regarding the CARES Act Elementary Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Wicker (R-MS) and and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. Banking Committee Chairman Crapo (R-ID) wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin requesting information on The Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance announcing the availability of $100 implementation of CARES Act assistance for the air million in CARES Act funding for short-time compensation grant funds for states. transportation industry.

DOL issued guidance and reminders to states to ensure the integrity of unemployment Senators Schatz (D-HI), Murkowski (R-AK), King (I-ME), and insurance programs, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Boozman (R-AR) wrote a letter to congressional leaders calling Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment for dedicated funding for broadband for health care providers Compensation programs. in future coronavirus relief legislation.

DOL issued an alert for dental industry practioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Graham (R-SC) introduced a bill to authorize sanctions with respect to China for its failure to cooperate in The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance for companies developing investigations relating to the COVID-19 outbreak. drugs and biological products for COVID-19 treatment and prevention and guidance on meeting requests for COVID-19 related drugs and biological products. Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced a bill to require a joint task force on the operation of air travel during and after the COVID- The FDA launched a new Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program to help move 19 pandemic. new medical products to patients as soon as possible. Senator Moran (R-KS) introduced a bill to provide for payment The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a product to maintain of work-study allowances during the COVID-19 emergency and sedition via continuous infusion for patients who require mechanical ventilation in an for allowances to veterans enrolled in educational intuitions ICU during the COVID-19 public health emergency. closed for emergency situations.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 9 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The FDA added content to the Q&A appendix in its guidance for clinical trials of Senator Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill to provide states and medical products during the COVID-19 public health emergency. tribes with flexibility in administering TANF and to make emergency grants to states and tribes to provide support for The Department of Defense (DOD) published an interim final rule to provide certain low-income individuals affected by COVID-19. exceptions for TRICARE coverage and payment for certain services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOD announced it is using 3D printers to manufacture low-cost emergency ventilators.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published notice describing the application process, deadlines, and award selection criteria for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program COVID-19 Supplemental.

FEMA announced funding allocated to Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, and Alabama for emergency food and shelter programs. The Small Business Administration (SBA) updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) May 10 Round 2 data. The Department of Labor (DOL) published additional guidance to states on the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the allocation plan for remdesivir, which began with initial deliveries to Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, May 9 Tennessee, and Virginia. Deliveries are expected to all 50 states, as well as territories and the Veterans Health Administration and the Indian Health Service for distribution within those systems.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 antigen test. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 in South Dakota. teleconference forum on COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and surveillance. A recording is available. President Trump approved a disaster declaration and federal assistance to supplement May 8 the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s efforts to respond to COVID-19. House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Burgess (R-TX) wrote a letter to Chairman Eshoo (D- White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow said that the White House will not CA) calling for a hearing on the Strategic National Stockpile. consider any additional economic stimulus legislation this month while it evaluates the economic impact of states beginning to reopen.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 10 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said White House Coronavirus virtual forum on the impacts of COVID-19 on maritime Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx “will be one of the chief consultants” transportation. overseeing government efforts to distribute potential coronavirus treatment remdesivir to US hospitals. House Democrats launched a website with Committee resources on the COVID-19 response. The Small Business Administration (SBA) updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Round 2 data and its Inspector General issued a flash report on PPP implementation. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Monthly Budget Review The Treasury Department also published a new interim final rule on extension of showed the government incurred a deficit of $737 billion in limited safe harbor with respect to certification concerning need for PPP loan request. April, compared with a surplus of $160 billion last year. The difference is attributable to the economic disruption caused by The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced COVID-19, including the fact that the government did not that nearly 130 million Americans have received economic Impact Payments worth collect the tax revenue in April that it normally would. more than $218 billion. In its first official action, the House Select Subcommittee on the The IRS updated FAQs regarding the COVID-19 Employee Retention Credit. Coronavirus Crisis wrote letters to five companies calling on them to return Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans or to The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved $1.2 billion in contracts to support produce supporting documentation by May 15. American producers and communities through its Farmers to Families Food Box Program, part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Murray (D-WA) and Senator Warren (D-MA) The Department of Labor (DOL) awarded $1.9 million in National Dislocated Worker released a letter to the FDA requesting information on how the Grant funding to provide reemployment services to individuals affected by COVID-19- agency is tracking the usage, safety, and effectiveness of related aviation industry layoffs in Kansas. possible COVID-19 treatments, diagnostic tests, and other medical products. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Special Counsel recommended Dr. Rick Bright be temporarily reinstated as director of the Biomedical Senators Harris (D-CA), Sanders (I-VT), and Markey (D-MA) Advanced Research and Development Authority. introduced the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act to provide $2,000 monthly payments to eligible Americans during the The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it issued the first emergency use COVID-19 crisis. authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 diagnostic test using home-collected saliva samples. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced a bill to place certain requirements on corporations receiving federal aid related to The FDA published a checklist and infographic for retail food establishments to COVID-19. prepare to reopen. Rep. Wild (D-PA) introduced a bill to increase support for state The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new clinical trial will evaluate Children’s Health Insurance programs during COVID-19. antiviral remdesivir plus the anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib for COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 11 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Labor (DOL) released statistics showing nonfarm payroll Rep. Lujan (D-NM) introduced a bill to waive the cost share employment fell by 20.5 million in April and the unemployment rate rose to 14.7%. requirement for Indian tribes receiving disaster assistance relating to COVID-19. Amtrak announced it will restore modified Acela service on beginning June 1. Rep. Neguse (D-CO) introduced a bill to repeal the matching The Cyber Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance to deter false requirement for payments made to states for election security information related to COVID-19. grants under the CARES Act.

Rep. Delgado (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide funding for cities, counties, and other units of general local government to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

Rep. Vargas (D-CA) introduced a bill to access mortgage credit during the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing restrictions on providing federal backing for single-family mortgage loans in forbearance.

Rep. Sherman (D-CA) introduced a bill to prohibit the enforcement of certain loan covenants during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Rep. Schneider (D-IL) introduced a bill to enhance the nurse and physician workforce during the COVID-19 crisis by recapturing unused immigrant visas.

Rep. Wilson (D-FL) introduced a bill to defer removal of nationals of Haiti during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Langevin (D-RI) introduced a bill to temporarily modify the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Higgins (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide COVID-19 related assistance through a special earned income rule for purposes of the refundable child and earned income tax credits for taxable year 2020.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 12 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Green (D-TX) introduced a bill to authorize assistance for fair housing enforcement activities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Fudge (D-OH) introduced a bill to provide additional agricultural products for distribution by emergency feeding organizations during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Fudge (D-OH) introduced a bill to modify the eligibility standards applicable to low-income college students during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Kelly (D-IL) introduced a bill to establish a COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force.

Rep. Conaway (R-TX) introduced a bill to prohibit the expenditure for an abortion of federal funds authorized or appropriated for preventing, preparing for, or responding to COVID-19.

Rep. Casten (D-IL) introduced a bill to require coverage under Medicare PDPs and MA-PD plans, without the imposition of cost sharing or utilization management requirements, of drugs intended to treat COVID-19.

Rep. Barr (R-KY) introduced a bill to exempt distilled spirits plants from denaturing requirements with respect to hand sanitizer produced to help combat COVID-19.

Rep. Axne (D-IA) introduced a bill to establish a Consumer and Investor Fraud Working Group to help protect consumers and investors from fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration (SBA) updated Paycheck Protection Program Round Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) said Republicans are 2 data. working on “a narrowly crafted liability protection to target healthcare workers and others who've been on the front lines.” May 7 The Department of Commerce announced it is accepting applications from eligible grantees for $1.467 billion in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to help communities The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 and published program FAQs. held a hearing on “Shark Tank: New Tests for COVID-19.”

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 13 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Commerce allocated $300 million in CARES Act aid to US fishermen The Senate confirmed Admiral Brett Giroir, M.D., to serve as the and seafood industries impacted by COVID-19. US representative on the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved New York and Pennsylvania to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of House Minority Leader (R-CA) announced a Republican China children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. Task Force will “help reinforce Congressional efforts to counter current and emerging cross-jurisdictional threats from China,” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a video detailing how including “China's role in the origin and spread of COVID-19.” it works with HHS to distribute supplies. McCarthy announced Minority Whip Scalise (R-LA) and Reps. FEMA announced it obligated $78 million to Iowa to help reimburse expenses for Jordan (R-OH), Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Walorski (R-IN), and Green emergency protection measures the state has incurred for COVID-19 response. (R-TN) as the GOP members of the Select Coronavirus Oversight Committee. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it awarded nearly $583 million to 1,385 Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Wicker (R-MS) centers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and eight territories to expand COVID- introduced the COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act. 19 testing. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee HHS announced it deployed 50 portable kidney dialysis machines and supplies to New Ranking Member Murray (D-WA) introduced a bill to provide York Intensive Care Units to provide surge capacity for facilities caring for COVID-19 state and local workforce and career and technical education patients. systems support to respond to COVID-19.

HHS extended the deadline for attestation and acceptance of terms and conditions for Senator Reed (D-RI) introduced a bill to provide additional Provider Relief Fund payments from 30 to 45 days. funding for states, tribal governments, and local communities due to the COVID-19 emergency. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update on efforts to combat fraudulent COVID-19 medical products. Senator Casey (D-PA) introduced a bill to provide funding for targeted purchases of qualified agricultural products from The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a system for use in producers that rely on local agricultural food markets affected decontaminating compatible N95 or N95-equivalent respirators. by COVID-19.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new research survey to examine Senator Smith (D-MN) introduced a bill to prohibit school food the impact of COVID-19 on the rare diseases community. authorities and local educational agencies from collecting unpaid school meal fees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated COVID-19 FAQs for state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies. Senator Booker (D-NJ) introduced a bill to improve the quality of care in skilled nursing facilities under Medicare and nursing The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) announced its employees must wear facial facilities under Medicare during the COVID-19 emergency. protection at screening checkpoints and encouraged passengers to do so as well.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 14 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Amtrak also announced all customers will be required to wear facial coverings Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member beginning May 11. Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the COVID-19 International Response and Recovery Act. The Department of Labor (DOL) released its unemployment insurance weekly claims report for the week ending May 2 showing the advance figure for seasonally adjusted Senator Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a bill to assist COVID-19 initial claims was 3,169,000, a decrease of 677,000 from the previous week’s revised recovery efforts in Sudan. level. Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced a bill to expand volunteer A Department of Justice (DOJ) statement expressed support for congressional efforts opportunities in AmeriCorps and FEMA and utilizing the to provide for expeditious resolution of claims for public safety officers who contract expertise of Peace Corps volunteers to fight coronavirus. COVID-19. Senators Cruz (R-TX), Hawley (R-MO), Grassley (R-IA), and Cotton (R-AR) wrote to President Trump urging him to suspend new immigrant guest worker visas for one year or until unemployment figures return to normal levels, whichever comes first.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Pallone (D- NJ) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Neal (D-MA) wrote a letter to HHS and CMS requesting information on the methodology and distribution of COVID-19 health care provider relief funds. President Trump announced the Coronavirus Task Force will continue indefinitely. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held a hearing on “The State of the Aviation Industry: Examining The Treasury Department updated its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQs and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” the Small Business Administration (SBA) updated PPP Round 2 data. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updated guidance to provide information on Committee held a roundtable on “COVID-19: How New returning Economic Impact Payments and clarified that someone who has died does Information Should Drive Policy.” not qualify and therefore any such payment should be returned. The updated May 6 guidance also provides information on eligibility for resident aliens and people who The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and are incarcerated. Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on “COVID-19 Response.” The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a CARES Act forbearance fact sheet for mortgagees and servicers of FHA, VA, or USDA loans. Senator Sullivan (R-AK) introduced a bill to allow Coronavirus Relief Fund payments to be used to replace revenue shortfalls The Department of Labor (DOL) announced it awarded six Dislocated Workers Grants resulting from COVID-19. totaling over $10 million to help address workforce-related impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 15 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Senator Durbin (D-IL) introduced a bill to address health The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is using CARES Act funding to workforce shortages and disparities highlighted by the COVID- expand support services and immediate relief for veterans experiencing or at risk of 19 pandemic through additional funding for the National Health homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Service Corps and Nurse Corps.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published guidance for medical device Senator Sasse (R-NE) introduced a bill to provide relief for rural manufacturers for reporting permanent discontinuance of or manufacturing providers during the COVID-19 emergency. interruptions for critical devices during the pandemic. Senator Sasse (R-NE) introduced a bill to provide certain The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance for covered limitations on liability for actions taken by healthcare providers health care providers related to the HIPAA Privacy Rule and access to media and film to combat COVID-19. crews during the public health emergency. Senator Baldwin (D-WI) introduced a bill to provide for the The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published an interim final rule expedited and transparent procurement and distribution of updating requirements for notification of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19. among residents and staff in nursing homes. Senator Coons (D-DE) introduced a bill to prioritize national The Department of Defense (DOD) announced it is using thermal imaging to detect service programs and projects that are directly related to the COVID-19 and screen for elevated body temperatures among personnel entering response to and recovery from COVID-19. military facilities. Senator Heinrich (D-NM) introduced a bill to waive the cost DOD announced a $126 million contract with 3M for increased production of 26 share requirement for Indian Tribes receiving disaster million N95 medical-grade masks per month beginning in October. assistance relating to COVID-19.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) released two letters to Governors and major Senator Heinrich (D-NM) introduced a bill to provide for an meat processing companies establishing the Department’s expectations for enhanced Coronavirus Relief Fund for units of government with implementation of the President’s Executive Order on food supply chain resources. a population of 500,000 or less.

A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) summary of COVID-19 complaints shows the agency Senator Paul (R-KY) introduced a bill to exempt distilled spirits has received nearly 35,000 reports totaling $23.3 million in total fraud loss. plants from denaturing requirements with respect to hand sanitizer produced to help combat COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced crew members may disembark form cruise ships in US waters and return home if cruise lines submit a Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide funding signed attestation stating that they have complied with requirements to safely for cities, counties, and other units of local government to disembark their crew members. prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

Senator Ernst (R-IA) introduced a bill to require hazardous duty pay for members of the Armed Forces performing duty in response to COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 16 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

11 Senate Democrats wrote to FTC Chairman Simons calling on the agency to take “bold action” to address Paycheck Protection Program-related scams targeting small businesses.

A group of 21 senators led by Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Small Business Administrator Carranza urging them to public disclose the measures they have taken to prevent Paycheck Protection Program fraud. The White House published a fact sheet on Administration support for the Native The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee American community amid the pandemic. held a nomination hearing for Brian Miller to be Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Treasury Vice President Pence confirmed reports that the White House is considering Department. disbanding its Coronavirus Task Force around Memorial Day. Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY) and 41 other Senate The Treasury Department updated its FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Democrats wrote to President Trump requesting information on and published a new interim final rule on nondiscrimination and additional eligibility COVID-19 testing strategy, noting they “fundamentally reject criteria. The Small Business Administration (SBA) also updated statistics on the the notion that the federal government bears this little program since it resumed on April 27. responsibility in increasing testing capacity.”

The Treasury and Interior Departments announced a path to begin making $4.8 billion Senators Markey (D-MA) and Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the in Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars available to Native American tribes and published Restoring Safety in the Skies Act to instruct HHS, DHS, and DOT guidance on allocations to tribal governments. to convene a joint Air Travel Task Force on the operation of air May 5 travel during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and Comptroller of the Currency announced an interim final rule to modify the agencies’ Liquidity Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Coverage Ration rule to support banking organizations’ participation in the Money WORK NOW Act to create a new grants program to help Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility and the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity nonprofit organizations whose workers serve growing public Facility. needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the allocation Senator Cornyn (R-TX) introduced a bill to clarify that receipt of of $380 million in supplemental administrative fee funding to all Public Housing coronavirus assistance does not affect the tax treatment of Authorities that may be used for new costs related to protecting assisted families and ordinary business expenses. employees throughout the pandemic. House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman Cicilline (D-RI) and The Department of Labor (DOL) announced that Dislocated Worker Grant funding other House Democrats wrote to leadership calling for a made available to states and territories to employ workers temporarily to respond to provision to halt mergers in the next COVID relief package. the public health emergency can be used for contact tracing.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 17 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Crow (D-CO) introduced a bill to provide for expedited and DOL released a new video and poster on proper workplace use of respirators. transparent procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies needed to combat COVID-19. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an enhanced National COVID-19 Report Summary website provides a real-time look at the status of patients who have Rep. Khanna (D-CA) and Senator Sanders (I-VT) introduced the been tested or treated at VA facilities. Emergency Medical Supplies Procurement Act to require the federal government to provide critical health care resources in The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the first two Virtual Settlement Days to response to COVID-19. continue remotely enabling unrepresented taxpayers to work towards resolving pending Tax Court cases. Rep. Price (D-NC) introduced a bill to prioritize national service programs and projects that are directly related to COVID-19 The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Maine, North Dakota, West Virginia, response and recovery. and Vermont to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school Rep. Axne (D-IA) introduced a bill to establish a State and Local closures. USDA also announced an expanded Meals to You program will serve nearly Government Coronavirus Relief Program to make grants to five million meals per week to rural children impacted by COVID-19-related school make up for lost revenue due to COVID-19. closures. Rep. Harder (D-CA) introduced a bill to extend the period of The Federal Emergency Management Agency published a fact sheet on federal authorized stay for certain alien healthcare workers during the support to expand national testing capabilities. COVID-19 emergency.

A Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Order said the Commission will investigate and Rep. Schrier (D-WA) introduced a bill to hold Medicare respond to the current challenges impacting the cruise industry and the US ports that beneficiaries harmless for specified COVID-19 treatment rely on it. services furnished under Part A or Part B.

Rep. Schrier (D-WA) introduced a bill to provide a state option for certain cash-value voucher increases during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Rep. Schrier (D-WA) introduced a bill to provide federal funding for targeted purchases to buy food from producers who rely on local agricultural food markets affected by COVID-19.

Rep. Maloney (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide student loan forgiveness to health care workers on the COVID-19 response frontline.

Rep. Wexton (D-VA) introduced a bill to restore annual leave lost by certain federal employees due to COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 18 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

Rep. Meng (D-NY) introduced a bill to facilitate expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes.

Rep. Pressley (D-MA) introduced a bill to authorize emergency homeless assistance grants for COVID-19 response.

Rep. Espaillat (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide assistance to pay off rental arrearages of low- and moderate-income households accruing during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Cartwright (D-PA) introduced a bill to establish a coronavirus fund to provide hazard payments to high-risk healthcare workers and essential workers. The Department of Labor announced additional guidance regarding 100% federal The Senate returned to Washington for legislative business. reimbursement of certain state Short-Term Compensation payments pursuant to the CARES Act. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Murray (D-WA) wrote to Secretary of Health The Treasury Department updated FAQs on the Coronavirus Relief Fund for state and and Human Services Azar and Secretary of Labor Scalia asking local governments. about potential mechanisms to shift unemployed workers into an expanded public health workforce focused on containing and The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the Small Business managing the spread of COVID-19. Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) portal has reopened in a limited capacity and is for the first time available to agricultural producers. The Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a bill to require Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act provided additional commercial airlines to provide cash reimbursements, and to funding for agricultural businesses affected by the pandemic. SBA said agricultural authorize the Secretary of State to waive or reimburse travel May 4 business that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application expenses, for an US citizen who is evacuated from a foreign portal prior to the legislative change will be processed without the need to reapply. All country due to travel restrictions implemented in response to other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting COVID-19 or any future pandemic or international crisis. new applications on April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Senator Rosen (D-NV) introduced a bill to require a longitudinal USDA announced it will make $470 million in Section 32 food purchases In Q3 to study on the impact of COVID-19. purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide and provide additional support for producers in response to the changing market conditions Senator Hawley (D-MO) introduced a bill to secure justice for caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. victims of novel coronavirus in the US and abroad.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced $200 million in CARES Act supplemental funding allocations to local jurisdictions to supplement local service organizations that provide resources to people with economic emergencies.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 19 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The Export-Import Bank (EXIM) raised its Supply Chain Finance Program and Working Capital Guarantee Program guarantee coverage option from 90 to 95% to provide relief for US exporters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated a policy on antibody tests for COVID-19.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a study to determine incidence of novel coronavirus infection in US children is underway.

The Treasury Department announced it expects to borrow $2,999 billion privately-held net marketable debt in Q2 2020, which is $3,055 billion higher than the borrowing estimate announced in February. The increase is primarily attributable to the COVID- 19 outbreak, including expenditures to assist individuals and businesses, changes to tax receipts, and an increase in the assumed end-of-June Treasury cash balance.

The US Census Bureau announced it will begin a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations this week with staff trained to observe social distancing protocols. The Census Bureau has ordered personal protective equipment for all field staff that will be secured and provided to staff prior to restarting operations. During a Fox News town hall, President Trump predicted there will be a COVID-19 vaccine available by the end of 2020.

The Treasury Department updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQs and program data through May 1. According to a joint statement by Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Carranza, 2.2 million May 3 loans have been made to small businesses since SBA resumed processing loans on April 27, surpassing the number of all loans made in PPP Round 1 and the average size loan in Round 2 is $79,000.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a memo on a symptom-based strategy to discontinue isolation for persons with COVID-19. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced 30 states and the In a joint statement, Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) District of Columbia have bene approved for the Crisis Counseling Assistance and and Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) declined the Administration’s offer to May 2 Training Program, which helps fund state-provided counseling services to residents deploy rapid COVID-19 testing capabilities to Capitol Hill, citing struggling with stress and anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. a desire “to keep directing resources to the front-line facilities where they can do the most good the most quickly.”

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 20 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Treasury Secretary Mnuchin called on private schools “with significant endowments” The House Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to return Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Committee will hold a roundtable on May 6 on COVID-19 and how new information should drive policy. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Delaware and Oregon to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. DeFazio (D-OR) said he is urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it will allocate Administration (TSA) to require face coverings for $685 million in CARES Act funding to help low-income Americans residing in public crewmembers, passengers, and all individuals before they are housing with things like personal protective equipment, childcare costs, travel costs to allowed to pass through airport security. receive testing, and other COVID-19-related needs. Senator Romney (R-UT) proposed a Patriot Pay program to The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a competitive provide financial support to frontline workers delivering funding opportunity to invest up to $40 million for the development and coordination essential services during the pandemic. of a strategic network for national, state, territorial, tribal, and local organizations to deliver COVID-19-related information to racial and ethnic minority, rural, and socially 15 Senate Democrats wrote a letter to the Department of vulnerable communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Justice and Federal Trade Commission calling on regulators to continue to challenge mergers and alleged anticompetitive HHS announced it is processing $12 billion to healthcare facilities admitting large behavior during the pandemic. May 1 numbers of COVID-19 patients and $10 billion to providers in rural areas. Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) wrote a letter to President Trump The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published FAQs on assistance asking him to fulfill a commitment to compile and release racial options for federally recognized tribal governments responding to the pandemic. demographic information related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization House Committee leaders introduced the COVID-19 Cost Share (EUA) for remdesivir, an antiviral drug to potentially treat COVID-19, and published a Adjustment Relief Act of 2020 to ensure the federal fact sheet for patients. government pays 100% of the costs of COVID-19-related FEMA assistance under the emergency and major disaster The FDA updated its guidance providing clarification for investigators on how to declarations granted pursuant to the Stafford Act, taking the submit investigational applications for COVID-19 convalescent plasma. financial burden off of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued FAQs clarifying requirements and considerations for hospitals and other providers related to the Rep. Panetta (D-CA) introduced a bill to modify the Restaurant Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals Program in response to COVID-19.

CMS published FAQs clarifying which telehealth services are valid for HHS-operated Rep. Jayapal (D-WA) introduced a bill to ensure access to risk adjustment data submission in light of COVID-19. benefits for uninsured individuals during the COVID-19 emergency and adequate coverage of COVID-19 treatments under Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 21 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a safety alert for restaurants and food and beverages businesses providing curbside pickup and takeout service. Rep. Rush (D-IL) introduced a bill to award grants to eligible entities to conduct diagnostic testing for COVID-19, and related The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published interim guidance to activities such as contact tracing, through mobile health units reduce the risk of introducing and transmitting SARS-CoV-2 in cleaner air shelters and and individuals’ residences. cleaner air space. Rep. Carter (R-GA) introduced a bill to require the Secretary of CDC published technical assistance for personal protective equipment in the context State to submit a report on the actions of the World Health of global supply shortages for use in non-US healthcare settings. Organization to address the spread of the virus responsible for COVID-19. CDC announced a new national viral genomics consortium to better map SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Rep. Burchett (R-TN) introduced a bill to educate businesses on COVID-19 based public health practices and to provide for a The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is participating in a series of notice and cure period before the commencement of a private clinical trials and investigations aimed at finding ways to mitigate or potentially civil action. prevent symptoms of COVID-19. Rep. Sablan (D-MP) introduced a bill to adjust the temporary The VA announced it is expanding access to virtual hearings to all veterans awaiting a increase in the Medicaid Federal medical assistance percentage Board hearing. provided for territories during the COVID-19 emergency.

The VA announced it is helping 38 states and territories with COVID-19 response Rep. Demings (D-FL) introduced a bill to ensure TSA employees including providing care, services, and supplies to hundreds of non-veterans. who contract COVID-19 are entitled to appropriate workers’ compensation and other benefits. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended flexibility for responding to agency requests. Rep. Payne (D-NJ) introduced a bill to provide hazardous duty pay for federal employees who may be exposed to COVID-19.

Rep. Lipinski (D-IL) introduced a bill to require CDC to carry out a national public outreach campaign regarding the proper use of PPE to minimize personal risk of exposure to, and risk of spreading, COVID-19.

Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced a bill to address health workforce shortages and disparities highlighted by the COVID- 19 pandemic th22rough additional funding for the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 22 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced a bill to provide for cost- spreading for certain fills and refills of drugs under Medicare Part D during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Scott (D-VA) introduced a bill to provide state and local workforce and career and technical education systems with support to respond to COVID-19.

Rep. Duncan (R-SC) introduced a bill to rescind $27 billion in CARES Act funding.

Rep. Bacon (R-NE) introduced a bill to expand the permissible use of funds under the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The White House said the Administration will finalize a new rule this week requiring Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) said the House plans to return to information about COVID-19 cases in nursing homes to be reported directly to the Washington on May 11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and testing data to be posted online. The rule will also require nursing homes to report cases to residents and their family The Senate Banking Committee announced it will hold a hearing members. on May 5 on Brian Miller’s nomination to be Special Inspector general for Pandemic Recovery, Department of the Treasury. The Treasury Department published a new Interim Final Rule on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) related to corporate groups and non-bank and non-insured Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Wicker (R-MS) and depository institution lenders. Senators Thune (R-SD), Moran (R-KS), and Blackburn (R-TN) announced they will introduce the COVID-19 Consumer Data In a letter to House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Velazquez (D-NY) and Protection Act. Senator Warren (D-MA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) Inspector General said his office began reviewing SBA’s implementation of the PPP and EIDL programs on House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Pallone (D- April 30 April 24 and that it intends to publish a flash report comparing and contrasting NJ) and Subcommittee Chairs Eshoo (D-CA) and DeGette (D-CO) provisions of the CARES Act to the SBA’s interim final rules and guidance. wrote a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Azar calling for a national COVID-19 tracing strategy. The Federal Reserve announced it is expanding the scope and eligibility for the Main Street Lending Program by creating a third loan option with increased risk sharing by lenders for borrowers with greater leverage; lowering the minimum loan size for certain loans to $500,000; and expanding the pool of businesses eligible to borrow. It also published FAQs on the program.

The Federal Reserve announced it is expanding access to the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (PPPLF) to additional lenders and expanding the collateral that can be pledged.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 23 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced over $1 billion in grants to 439 airports in 50 states. $731 million in Airport Improvement Program grants and $455 million in Supplemental Discretionary grants will be available for 100% of eligible costs under the CARES Act.

The Department of Education announced nearly $1.4 billion in CARES Act funding will be directed to Minority Serving Institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, as well as institutions serving low-income students, to help ensure learning continues during the pandemic.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1 million in grant funding is available to local environmental justice communities to address COVID-19 concerns faced by low-income and minority communities. EPA anticipates awarding five grants of approximately $200,000 each. Applications are due by June 30.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $20 million to increase telehealth access and infrastructure for providers and families to six recipients to respond to COVID-19.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a number of regulatory waivers and rule changes to expand access to and flexibility for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to get tested for COVID-19 and telehealth services.

CMS announced a new Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the nursing home response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CDC published a road travel toolkit for transportation partners to help reach domestic travelers with COVID-19 prevention messaging during road travel.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance highlighting flexibility under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act to facilitate distribution of prescription drug products needed to respond to COVID-19, including drugs to treat symptoms.

The Department of Labor (DOL) released unemployment insurance weekly claims data for the week ending April 25 showing the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 3,839,000, a decrease of 603,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 15,000 from 4,427,000 to 4,442,000.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 24 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline DOL announced it is hosting a national dialogue on Opening America’s Workplaces Again to solicit ideas from the public on how best to help employers and workers safely reopen workplaces. The dialogue will run from April 30-May 7.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published guidance on planning considerations for organizations in reconstituting operations during the pandemic.

The State Department announced [email protected] is a new resource for US companies facing foreign government-imposed supply chain interruptions that prevent these companies from addressing the COVID-19 outbreak in the US.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted exemption to the timeframes for completing recurrent training and testing requirements for certain air ambulance personnel. In a Federal Register notice scheduled to be published April 30, the Food and Drug The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Administration (FDA) announced it will not enforce certain requirements for the onsite Human Services, and Education announced it will hold a hearing monitoring activities and certificates for the currently bodies in the Accredited Third- on May 6 on the COVID-19 response. Party Certification Program for human and animal food in certain circumstances due to travel restrictions and advisories related to COVID-19. The Senate Commerce Committee announced it will hold a hearing on May 6 on the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation The Treasury Department announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will industry. only accept Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from lending institutions with asset sizes less than $1 billion from 4:00 PM to 11:59 PM today and updated PPP The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) FAQs. Committee announced it will hold a hearing on May 7 on New Tests for COVID-19. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an additional 13 funding April 29 applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program. Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) announced that Reps. Waters (D-CA), Maloney (D-NY), Velazquez (D-NY), Foster (D-IL), Raskin (D-MD), The FCC announced it will temporarily waive the requirement that consumers seeking and Kim (D-NJ) will sit on the Select Committee on the to qualify for the Lifeline program, which provides monthly discounts on broadband Coronavirus Crisis chaired by Majority Whip Clyburn (D-SC). and voice services to low-income consumers, must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. Senators Markey (D-MA) and Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Chao calling on DOT to issue a rule The Department of Labor (DOL) announced that Federal Pandemic Unemployment requiring face masks for all individuals engaged in air travel Compensation (FPUC) compensation is being paid to eligible individuals in all 50 states during the COVID-19 pandemic. and the District of Columbia. Senator Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Porter (D-CA) introduced The The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the preliminary results of a clinical Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act to federalize the trial show remdesivir accelerates recovery from advanced COVID-19. medical supply chain, increase national production, and create

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 25 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline an equitable and transparent process for delivery of necessary NIH announced a new Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative aimed at medical supplies. speeding innovation, development, and commercialization of COVID-19 testing and technologies backed by $1.5 billion in federal funding. Reps. Neguse (D-CO) and Taylor (R-TX) introduced The Commission on the Strategic National Supply Act to establish a The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization 10-member bipartisan Federal Commission to address (EUA) for SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Tests that have been evaluated in an independent NIH shortcomings of the Strategic National Stockpile. validation study, or by another government agency designated by FDA, and are confirmed by FDA to meet the criteria set forth in the Scope of Authorization.

The FDA posted FAQs on ventilators and on EUAs for medical devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FDA published a Consumer Update on Tips on Good Nutrition and Using the Updated Nutrition Facts Label During the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The Department of Defense (DOD) announced that the Defense Logistics Agency is developing a tool to consolidate technical data into packages for advanced manufacturing to battle COVID-19. Military services are already using the Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX) to access dozens of models for critical items like face shields and surgical masks.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes and a cleaning and disinfecting decision tool.

The Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) estimated that real GDP contracted 4.8% at an annual rate in Q1 2020.

The Federal Reserve Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced that in light of the ongoing public health crisis, it decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to ¼ percent. The Committee expects to maintain this range until it feels confident the economy has weathered recent events and is on track to achieve its maximum employment and price stability goals.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice announcing that it will authorize subsidy payments for certain non-complete flights under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program given the signification reduction in passenger demand due to COVID-19. DOT will also not seek enforcement action against carriers that do not meet

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 26 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline EAS requirements unless an EAS-served community formally objects. The guidance is in effect through June 30.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a Special Federal Aviation Regulation providing relief to pilots, crew members, and other certificate holders who have been unable to comply with certain testing, recency-of-experience, training, and checking requirements due to the public health emergency.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it is working with states and industry to distribute one million protective masks to commercial truck drivers. Distribution is initially available at locations in eight states. President Trump signed an Executive Order invoking the Defense Production Act to Reversing course, Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) announced designate meat and poultry processing plants critical infrastructure. The White House the House will not return on May 4 following consultation with also published a fact sheet on the Order. Members and the Attending Physician. No new return date has been scheduled. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Authorizing the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program for Major Disaster Declarations Related to Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) said liability Coronavirus Disease 2019. protections for frontline workers and businesses will be at the ‘top of his list’ for future COVID-19 response legislation. He also President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for said he would oppose using a coronavirus stimulus bill as a Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 in North Dakota. vehicle for infrastructure investment.

President Trump signed into law H.R. 6322, the Student Veterans Coronavirus Over 140 House and Senate Democrats wrote a letter to FCC Response Act of 2020, which amends Department of Veterans Affairs authorities Chairman Pai calling on the FCC to coordinate with other related to payment of certain education benefits during national emergencies. federal agencies to inform low-income families about April 28 broadband services for which they are eligible. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said that all Paycheck Protection Program loans over $2 million will be audited before they are forgiven and that regulatory guidance Rep. Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), who chairs the House Oversight implementing this procedure will be forthcoming. White House Press Secretary Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Privacy, sent a letter Kayleigh McEnany said that the Small Business Administration (SBA) processed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to 450,000 loans totaling $48.5 billion since it started accepting PPP applications again on comply with the Subcommittee’s ongoing investigation into the April 27. SBA also published an Interim Final Rule on disbursements and updated PPP FDA’s policies on governing serological testing for coronavirus. FAQs. Rep. Tonko (D-NY) introduced a bill to conduct or support The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Maryland and New Mexico to research on the mental health consequences of COVID-19. operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant Rep. Schrier (D-WA) introduced a bill to require group health to the Families First Coronavirus Act. plans and health insurance issuers to provide coverage for

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 27 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it began distributing services furnished via telehealth if such services would be an additional $20 billion of the $50 billion Provider Relief Fund to Medicare facilities covered if furnished in-person during the COVID-19 emergency. and providers impacted by COVID-19. $30 billion was allocated earlier this month. Rep. Hayes (D-CT) introduced a bill to increase the annual The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new video resource on Emergency funding for various healthcare agencies to better combat Use Authorizations (EUAs). disparities that have emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FDA published information and resources to assist manufacturers submitting Rep. Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) introduced a bill to provide generic drug applications with bioequivalence studies that may be impacted during coverage for COVID-19 at no cost sharing under the Medicare COVID-19. Advantage program.

The FDA updated its COVID-19 FAQs with information about smoking. Rep. Stevens (D-MI) introduced a bill to establish an interagency task force on worker protection from COVID-19. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a fact sheet on distribution of cloth facial coverings in coordination with the Department of Health Rep. Quigley (D-IL) introduced a bill to authorize video and Human Services (HHS), Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity teleconferencing and telephone conferencing proceedings Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA), and other federal agencies. during the COVID-19 emergency.

The Department of Labor (DOL), in conjunction with Treasury and the Internal Rep. Wexton (D-VA) introduced a bill to require the Attorney Revenue Service (IRS), issued a notice providing deadline relief and other guidance for General to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies as they employment benefit plans, plan participants and beneficiaries, employers and other respond to increased levels of domestic violence during COVID- plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries, and other service providers impacted by COVID-19. 19. DOL also issued FAQs on health benefit and retirement benefit rights and responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

The Department of Interior (DOI) announced the White House has re-established the White House Council on Native American Affairs to continue inter-agency coordination of the Indian Country COVID-19 Response Team.

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) extended the time to file certain patent and trademark-related documents and to pay certain fees, which otherwise would have been due between March 27 and May 31, to June 1. The White House issued a strategy to expand COVID-19 testing. A Testing Blueprint Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) confirmed in a describes the roles and responsibilities of the federal government, state, local, and statement that the Senate will return to Washington on May 4 tribal governments, and private sector and professional associations. A Testing as scheduled. House Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) also April 27 Overview includes a three-stage process to expand testing. confirmed on a caucus call that the House will return May 4.

A group of 18 bipartisan senators wrote a letter to Senate leadership calling for the next phase of COVID-19 response

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 28 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program legislation to make local trade and professional associations loan applications. The Treasury Department also published a new Interim Final Rule eligible for CARES Act small business relief programs. for the PPP with additional criterion for seasonal employers. 20 Democratic senators wrote a letter to the Treasury The Federal Reserve announced an expansion of the scope and duration of the Department and Small Business Administration calling for Municipal Liquidity Facility, which will offer up to $500 billion in lending to states and “strong supervisory mechanisms” to identify instances of municipalities to help manage cash flow stresses caused by COVID-19. “unjust enrichment” and ensure Paycheck Protection Program loans reach struggling small businesses. The Department of Education announced more than $300 million in discretionary grants is available for states to create adaptable, innovative learning opportunities for K-12 and postsecondary learners in response to the COVID-19 national emergency.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Kansas and Virginia to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Act.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it provided $12.2 million in funding for COVID-19 response efforts in Colorado.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Education Department announced efforts to promote the use of $16 billion in CARES Act funding for remote learning.

In a Federal Register notice to be published April 29, the US Postal Service said it revised its Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail regulations to support rapid deployment of COVID-19 diagnostic tests via mail during the public health emergency.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that $250 million in emergency COVID-19 funding has been awarded to increase access to and improve the quality of community mental and substance use disorder treatment services through the expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

HHS launched a COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal to allow health care providers who have conducted COVID-19 testing or provided treatment for uninsured COVID-19 individuals on or after February 4, 2020 to submit claims for reimbursement.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an update on efforts to ensure availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 29 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The FDA has issued 70 emergency use authorizations for new COVID-19 tests, including 62 molecular tests and eight serological tests, according to the White House.

The FDA updated and re-issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for face masks originally posted on April 18. In doing so, the FDA clarified that face masks, including cloth face coverings, that are authorized by the EUA are only authorized for use by the general public and health care personnel as source control and are not authorized to be personal protective equipment (PPE). The FDA also posted FAQs on the Emergency Use Authorization for Face Masks (Non-Surgical).

The FDA published a fact sheet on the use of respirators, facemasks, and cloth face coverings in the food and agriculture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FDA published a fact sheet on procedures for confirmed positive or exposed workers in FDA-regulated food production, storage, or distribution operations.

The Attorney General issued a memo on Balancing Public Safety with the Preservation of Civil Rights finding that the Department of Justice (DOJ) may have an obligation to address in federal court state or local ordinances that result in “an overbearing infringement of constitutional and statutory protections.”

Secretary of Education DeVos announced the Department will not seek any additional waiver authority concerning Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The CARES Act directed the Department to examine certain federal education laws to determine any additional waiver authority that might be necessary to provide limited flexibility to state and local education agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a brochure on addressing tenant concerns during the COVID-19 national emergency.

The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee named Robert Westbrooks its executive director and launched a website and Twitter account.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a list of control towers where hours will be temporarily adjusted due to low traffic. April 26 The Treasury Department updated Paycheck Protraction Program FAQs. Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 30 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced enhancements to the Get My Payment app for Americans to access and track their Economic Impact Payments.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is reevaluating the amounts that will be paid under its Accelerated Payment Program and suspending its Advance Payment Program to Part B suppliers effective immediately in light of recent emergency relief to providers and suppliers.

The Department of Labor (DOL) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released joint coronavirus-related interim guidance for meatpacking and meat processing workers and employers. The Treasury Department announced it has made $12.4 billion in initial payments to Speaker Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY), 93 air carriers and that it has determined that cargo air carriers that receive $50 and key Democratic committee leaders sent a letter to the million or less of payroll support and contractors that receive $37.5 million or less of Treasury Department and Small Business Administration on payroll support will not be required to provide financial instruments as appropriate implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health compensation for the financial assistance. The Department also published the Care Enhancement Act. The letter urges expanded access for application form for loans to businesses critical to maintaining national security, which underserved and Main Street businesses to PPP, including may be submitted online beginning April 27 and are due by May 1. setting aside at least $10 billion for Minority Depository April 25 Institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it has awarded to make PPP loans. The letter also calls on Treasury and SBA to grants to five states to fund crisis counseling services for residents struggling with award $10,000 SBA Emergency EIDL Grants (rather than grants stress and anxiety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. of $1,000 per employee), to update eligibility for EIDL loans and grants to include farmers and other agricultural enterprises, and to implement rigorous and regular reporting for transparency and oversight. President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released preliminary Enhancement Act into law. projections of output, employment, interest rates, and federal deficits for 2020 and 2021. CBO estimates that in Q2, that the The Treasury Department and Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that inflation-adjusted GDP is expected to decline by about 12% and SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program loans on April 27 at 10:30 AM the unemployment rate is expected to average close to 14%. ET. The federal budget deficit for FY20 is projected to be $3.7 April 24 trillion. The Treasury Department released a new Interim Final Rule on requirements for promissory notes, authorizations, affiliation, and eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) wrote in a letter to colleagues that the Program. Democratic caucus will hold a call next week to discuss the possibility of remote voting by proxy and virtual committee meetings.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 31 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Treasury Department published guidance on how to calculate maximum loan amounts by business type for the Paycheck Protection Program. A group of 75 bipartisan senators wrote a letter calling on the Office of Management and Budget to take steps to support The Small Business Administration (SBA) published a Procedural Notice providing rural broadcasters and local newspapers during the COVID-19 guidance to approved Paycheck Protection Program lenders regarding the sale of pandemic, such as having the federal government disseminate participating interest in PPP loans. essential information through local advertisements and allowing flexibility for state and local governments to use The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that 88 federal funds to publicize new programs an information. million individuals received Economic Impact Payments worth nearly $158 billion and released state-by-state figures. The House Oversight and Reform Committee released a staff memo with preliminary findings that the Committee alleges The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved California and Connecticut to operate raise concerns with serological testing. The memo is based on a Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children briefing with the FDA, CDC, and HHS. eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Act. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Nadler (D-NY) and Constitution Subcommittee Chairman Cohen (D-TN) wrote a The Department of Labor (DOL) issued interim enforcement guidance on reusing letter to Attorney General Barr requesting a briefing and disposable N95 filtering face piece respirators (N95 FFRs) that have been documents on the Administration’s anticipated use of decontaminated. emergency powers during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Safety Communication cautioning House Democrats unveiled a website featuring video against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital statements on the Paycheck Protection Program and Health setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems. Care Enhancement Act from Members who did not speak on the floor during the debate. The FDA issued an immediately in effect guidance, Enforcement Policy for Remote Digital Pathology Devices During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, to expand Rep. Meng (D-NY) introduced a bill to required federal agencies the availability of devices for remote viewing and reporting of scanned digital images. to translate COVID-19 materials into multiple languages.

Rep. Kuster (D-NH) introduced a bill to authorized grants to address substance use disorder during COVID-19.

Rep. Crow (D-CO) introduced a bill to establish a database to facilitate the provision of healthcare services by a volunteer at a federal or state agency during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Cardenas (D-CA) introduced a bill to allow states to provide coverage under Medicaid for vaccines and treatment for COVID-19 for uninsured individuals without the imposition of cost sharing requirements.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 32 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

Rep. Bera (D-CA) introduced a bill to establish a program in the American Folklife Center to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials of those affected by COVID-19. In updated Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQs, the Treasury Department asked The House passed interim relief legislation, the $484 billion publically traded companies that received assistance through the Paycheck Protection Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Program to return their loans by May 7. Act, sending it to the President for his signature. The new law includes an additional approximately $322 billion for the Treasury published guidance on treatment of Alaska Native Corporations for the Paycheck Protection Program, $60 billion for Economic Injury purposes of the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Disaster Loan program grants and loans, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for testing. The Federal Reserve announced the information it will make public regarding its liquidity and lending facilities using CARES Act funding, including the names and details The House adopted H.Res. 935, Establishing a Select of participants in each facility; amounts borrowed and interest rate charged; and Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, on a party-line vote. overall costs, revenues, and fees for each facility. Majority Whip Clyburn (D-SC) will chair the panel, which will review the federal government’s response to the pandemic. The Fed announced it is working to expand access to its Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (PPPLF) for additional Small Business Administration-qualified The House Small Business Committee held a Member Day lenders. hearing on COVID-19 Response and Recovery.

The Fed announced temporary actions aimed at increasing the availability of intraday House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman Cicilline (D-RI) April 23 credit extended by Federal Reserve Banks on both a collateralized and uncollateralized proposed a moratorium on mergers during the pandemic with basis consistent with other actions to support the flow of credit to households and exceptions for companies that are in bankruptcy or otherwise businesses to mitigate the disruptions from COVID-19. on the brink of failing.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Federal Home Loan Banks Senators Romney (R-UT) and Sinema (D-AZ) wrote a letter to can accept PPP loans as collateral when making loans, called advances, to their CDC Director Dr. Redfield expressing concern that federal public members. health officials are lagging behind on collecting real-time data on the spread of COVID-19. The Department of Education announced $13.2 billion in CARES Act emergency relief funds is available to state and local education agencies to support continued learning Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cramer (R-ND) and Reps. Welch for K-12 students whose educations have been disrupted by COVID-19. (D-VT) and Marshall (R-KS) wrote a letter to the President urging the Administration to support dedicated funding for The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Wisconsin to operate Pandemic small broadband providers to keep students and low-income Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free families connected to the internet during the pandemic. or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Act. A group of Senate Democrats wrote a letter calling on the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 33 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the Centers for ensure families that are not required to file taxes and will Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will award $631 million in CARES Act funding to automatically receive their COVID-19 stimulus payment will not 64 jurisdictions through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and need to wait until next year to receive the additional $500 Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases cooperative agreement. payment per child.

HHS awarded nearly $5 million to Poison Control Centers nationwide to improve their Senator Warren (D-MA) and House Small Business Committee capacity to respond to increased calls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairwoman Velazquez (D-NY) wrote a letter to the Small Business Administration and Treasury Department Inspectors HHS extended to 3:00 PM ET on April 25 the deadline for hospitals to apply for $10 General requesting investigations into the implementation of billion in CARES Act funds that will be distributed to areas highly impacted by COVID- the Paycheck Protection Program. 19. Rep. Scott (R-GA) introduced a bill to make supplemental The CDC updated its COVID-19 FAQs. appropriations for the Department of Agriculture to respond to COVID-19. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a toolkit for states to help accelerate adoption of broader telehealth coverage policies in Medicaid and the Rep. Panetta (D-CA) introduced a bill to provide for the Children’s Health Insurance Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. immediate procurement of COVID-19 medical testing components, materials, and supplies under the Defense CMS issued guidance for infection control and prevention concerning COVID-19 in Production Act. Home Health Agencies and Religious Nonmedical Healthcare Institutions. Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced a bill to provide assistance The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) released a strategic under SBA programs related to COVID-19 to cannabis plan detailing COVID-19 research priorities. businesses and their service providers.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance on non-invasive fetal and Rep. Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a bill to require a particular jury material monitoring devices to help increase availability to support patient monitoring instruction in federal civil actions that include a claim for during the COVID-19 pandemic. damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19. The FDA issued guidance to help increase availability and capability of imaging systems needed for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of lung disease in patients during the Rep. Beyer (D-VA) introduced a bill to establish NIH prize COVID-19 pandemic. competitions to incentivize research by higher education institutions on point-of-care testing for the detection of current The FDA issued guidance to communicate a temporary policy regarding certain or past COVID-19 infection. requirements under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Accredited Third-Party Certification Program for foreign food entities and their products.

The Department of Labor (DOL) released its unemployment insurance weekly claims report showing that for the week ending April 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was approximately 4.43 million, a decrease of 810,000 from the

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 34 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised down by 8,000 to approximately 5.24 million.

The General Services Administration (GSA) said in a Federal Register notice scheduled to be published April 24 that certain provisions of the Federal Travel Regulation governing official relocation travel are temporarily waived for employees relocating during the national emergency.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is advising eight technology companies that unscrupulous dealers are using their platforms to sell illegal disinfectant products.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a fact sheet on remote home inspections for disaster survivors amid the pandemic.

FEMA announced that it will begin accepting applications on April 28 for $100 million available through the FY20 Assistance to Firefighters Grant – COVID-19 Supplemental Program. The application deadline is May 15. The President issued a Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present The House Rules Committee was scheduled to consider a Risk to the US Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 resolution to authorize remote voting by proxy and provide for Outbreak. The White House also published a fact sheet on the Proclamation. official remote committee proceedings during a designated pandemic emergency, but Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and Minority The President directed the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to Leader McCarthy (R-CA) will appoint members to a bipartisan focus its efforts on supporting distressed communities impacted by COVID-19, group to study the issue instead. including identifying additional funding needed from Congress to best support minority and distressed areas. Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) told her caucus that the House will vote April 23 on a resolution to establish a coronavirus select The Treasury Department published the Payroll Support Program agreement. committee chaired by Majority Whip Clyburn (D-SC). April 22 Treasury published guidance and FAQs for state, territorial, local, and tribal House Judiciary Committee Chairman Nadler (D-NY) and governments on accessing the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Immigration Subcommittee Chair Lofgren (D-CA) issued a statement criticizing the President’s Proclamation temporarily The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a 40% emergency benefit increase suspending new green cards. in monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Rep. Castro (D-TX) introduced a bill to expedite and expand USDA approved Alabama to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide provision of American Citizen Services worldwide during the assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with COVID-19 pandemic. school closures pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Act.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 35 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Secretary of Education DeVos said that colleges and universities with large endowments should not apply for CARES Act relief funds. She also called on Congress “to change the law to make sure no more taxpayer funds go to elite, wealthy institutions.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded nearly $165 million to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in rural communities.

HHS announced additional allocations of funds under the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. $50 billion is allocated for general distribution to Medicare facilities and providers impacted by COVID-19. $10 billion is allocated for a targeted distribution to hospitals in areas that have been particularly impacted and another $10 billion for rural health clinics and hospitals. $400 million is allocated for Indian Health Services facilities.

HHS launched telehealth.hhs.gov to provide support and resources to providers integrating telemedicine into their practices.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a toolkit to help state and local healthcare decisionmakers navigate COVID-19 health workforce challenges.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a temporary policy on repackaging or combining propofol drug products during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The FDA announced a virtual town hall on immediately in effect guidance on COVID-19 diagnostic tests on April 29 at 12:15 PM.

The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for patient monitoring systems intended to be used in the hospital environment for remote monitoring of patients having or suspected of having COVID-19 to reduce healthcare provider exposure.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it is temporarily adjusting the operating hours of approximately 100 control towers in light of reduced air traffic.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Canada and Mexico are exempt from new export restrictions on certain health and medical resources announced on April 10.

FEMA published a fact sheet on addressing personal protective equipment (PPE) needs

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 36 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline in non-healthcare settings.

The Department of Energy (DOE) updated FAQs on energy sector COVID-19 response efforts.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) updated COVID-19 FAQs for public housing agencies.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in a Federal Register notice that it is amending emissions reporting regulations applicable to sources that monitor and report under the Acid Raid Program, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, and/or the NOx SIP Call during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Federal Register notice scheduled to be published April 23, the EPA announced its intent to convene a panel of experts to provide rapid advice on scientific and technical issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Federal Register notice scheduled to be published April 23, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced it will extend the comment period for certain rulemakings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump said he would sign an Executive Order pausing new green cards for Congressional leadership announced an agreement on interim 60 days. relief legislation, the approximately $484 billion Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The bill President Trump said on Twitter that he urges Congress to pass the Paycheck includes an additional approximately $322 billion for the PPP, Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, the interim relief legislation. $2 billion for the Small Business Administration, $60 billion for He added that Phase 4 legislation should include relief for state and local EIDL grants and loans, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion governments, infrastructure investment (including bridges, tunnels, broadband), tax for testing. The Senate passed the bill by voice vote. The House incentives (for restaurants, entertainment, and sports), and payroll tax cuts to increase is expected to pass it on Thursday. economic growth. April 21 Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) said in a letter to colleagues after Senate President Trump said on Twitter that he has instructed the Secretaries of Energy and passage of the interim relief legislation that after the House Treasury to formulate a plan to make funds available to secure the US oil and gas passes the bill on April 23, Democrats will immediately begin industry. work on CARES 2 with a focus on the health and safety of the American people and strong funding for healthcare, police, fire, The Department of Education released an additional $6.2 billion for colleges and EMS, and other essential workers. universities to provide direct emergency cash grants to students pursuant to the CARES Act. House Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) wrote a letter to House Administration Committee Chairwoman Lofgren (D-CA) and The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $955 million in Rules Committee Chairman McGovern (D-MA) asking the

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 37 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline CARES Act grants to support older Americans and people with disabilities during the Committees to consider a set of recommendations to enable COVID-19 emergency. remote voting and committee work and to enable Congress to work remotely even when in Washington to comply with social HHS announced a policy of enforcement discretion to allow compliance flexibilities distancing guidelines. regarding the implementation of the interoperability final rules in response to COVID- 19. Senators Moran (R-KS), Casey (D-PA), Boozman (R-AR), and Baldwin (D-WI) wrote a letter urging the Departments of State The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first diagnostic test with a and Agriculture to continue to support international food home collection option for COVID-19 through a re-issued emergency use authorization assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. (EUA). Rep. Titus (D-NV) introduced a bill to provide that businesses The FDA issued an EUA for decontaminating compatible N95 or N95-equivalent with legal gaming revenue are eligible for certain assistance respirators for single-user reuse by healthcare providers. relating to COVID-19.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced COVID-19 treatment guidelines that Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) introduced a bill to prohibit depository will be updated as new information emerges. institutions from asserting overdraft and non-sufficient fund fees during the COVID-19 crisis and other disasters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 forecast. Rep. Kelly (D-IL) introduced a bill to require the CDC to collect The Department of State issued a fact sheet on US assistance to Pacific island and report certain data concerning COVID-19. countries to respond to COVID-19. Rep. Kelly (D-IL) introduced a bill to provide for a temporary The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced researchers are studying COVID- increase in Medicaid DSH allotments during the COVID-19 19 in aging veterans with dementia. emergency.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Pennsylvania will Rep. Houlahan (D-PA) introduced a bill to establish a risk receive nearly $5 million for costs associate with the purchase of BiPAP machines to corridor program for Medicare Advantage during the COVID-19 assist those having difficulty breathing as a result of COVID-19. emergency.

The Department of Labor (DOL) issued an alert with safety tips to keep construction Rep. Garcia (D-IL) introduced a bill to ensure international workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. financial institution support for a robust international response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Reps. Bilirakis (R-FL) and Cox (D-CA) introduced a bill to award HHS grants or contracts to public or private entities to carry out a national awareness campaign to increase factual awareness and knowledge of COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 38 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Blunt Rochester (D-DE) introduced a bill to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offer group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage without imposing any cost sharing requirements for certain items and services furnished during any porting of the COVID- 19 emergency.

Rep. Meng (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide for E-Rate support for Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and connected devices during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Pappas (D-NH) introduced a bill to ensure that veterans receive timely and effective healthcare during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Pappas (D-NH) introduced a bill to defer action regarding certain debts arising from benefits under laws administered by the VA during the COVID-19 emergency.

Rep. Perlmutter (D-OR) introduced a bill to provide for an enhanced Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Rep. Harder (D-CA) introduced a bill to include the fresh fruit and vegetable program as a qualified program for purposes of certain national school lunch program requirement waivers addressing COVID-19.

Rep. Garamendi (D-CA) introduced a bill to mobilize individuals in the fight against COVID-19 by expanding volunteer opportunities in AmeriCorps and employment opportunities at FEMA, as well as utilizing expertise of Peace Corps volunteer leaders. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 in Alabama, Alaska, Schumer (D-NY) agreed to schedule a pro forma session for and Delaware. April 21 at 4:00 PM to potentially seek unanimous consent on April 20 interim relief legislation. President Trump said on Twitter that he will sign an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States. Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in House Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) advised members that if a statement, “President Trump is committed to protecting the health and economic the Senate passes interim relief legislation on April 21, the

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 39 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline well-being of American citizens as we face unprecedented times. As President Trump House could meet as early as April 23 at 10:00 AM and that a has said, ‘Decades of record immigration have produced lower wages and higher recorded vote is likely. unemployment for our citizens, especially for African-American and Latino workers.’ At a time when Americans are looking to get back to work, action is House Energy and Commerce Committee Democratic necessary.” leadership wrote a letter to the Administration asking questions about efforts to acquire and distribute COVID-19 medical The Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management sent a supplies. memo to heads of executive departments and agencies on aligning federal agency operations with the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again.

The Treasury Department announced it finalized Payroll Support Program agreements with several major airlines representing nearly 95% of US airline capacity and disbursed $2.9 billion in initial payments to two major airlines and 54 smaller passenger air carriers. Treasury will make additional payments on a rolling basis. The Department also updated FAQs on the program.

Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that social security, railroad retirement, and veterans benefit recipients who have qualifying children and did not file a 2018 or 2019 tax return need to provide information via the IRS Non-Filer tool to receive an Economic Impact Payment for the children.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an expedited process to release $110 million in emergency grants to strengthen access to treatments for substance use disorders and serious mental illnesses during the pandemic.

HHS announced an ongoing partnership with Oracle through its Therapeutic Learning system, an online platform designed to collect real-time medical data related to COVID-19.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is encouraging clinicians who participate in the Quality Payment Program to contribute to scientific research and evidence to fight COVID-19 and earn credit through the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated FAQs on COVID-19 testing at laboratories.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued information on the use of serological

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 40 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline (antibody) tests to help identify people who may have been exposed to or recovered from COVID-19, including a letter to healthcare providers, a fact sheet, and FAQs.

The FDA issued a face mask emergency use authorization (EUA).

The FDA issued guidance for a temporary policy regarding state-licensed pharmacies and federal facilities, that are not outsourcing facilities, compounding certain drugs for hospitalized patients during the public health emergency to address reported issued with accessing certain FDA-approved drugs.

The FDA announced the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program, a new program that aims to move new treatments to patients as soon as possible, while at the same time finding out whether they are helpful or harmful.

The Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DOD) announced a new modernized health data sharing capability for bidirectional sharing of health records with community partners.

The VA released a timeline on how it prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the US, Mexico, and Canada have agreed to extend restrictions on non-essential cross-border travel for 30 additional days.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked its Science Advisory Board (SAB) to provide a rapid review of research needs identified by EPA scientists to enhance and build on the Agency’s capabilities to address the environmental and human health impacts from the virus that causes COVID-19.

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the temporary period of non- enforcement of paid leave protections under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act has ended.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $1.5 million award in Partnership and Special Enforcement Efforts funds to HUD Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies to support COVID-19 education activities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a fact sheet on Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations) COVID-19 response efforts.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 41 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Arizona and Illinois to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Act.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a business review letter announcing it will not challenge collaborative efforts by Amerisource Bergen to identify global opportunities, ensure product quality, and facilitate product distribution of medications and other healthcare supplies to treat COVID-19 patients.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it acquired the former Garland- Baylor, Scott & White hospital in Texas to increase its capacity to care for veterans with an initial focus on COVID-19 cases.

The Department of Defense (DOD) announced it will provide humanitarian support, including medical equipment, relief supplies, and personnel, to support Italy’s response to COVID-19.

DOD extended its stop move order through June 30 to aid in the further prevention of the spread of COVID-19. Pursuant to the President’s April 18 Executive Order, the Treasury Department and House Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) advised members that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a joint Temporary Interim Final Rule House could meet as early as April 22 at 10:00 AM and that a providing importers who have faced a significant financial hardship due to the COVID- recorded vote on interim coronavirus relief legislation is likely. 19 outbreak with the option for a 90-day deferment period on the payment of duties, taxes, and fees. Senators Menendez (D-NJ) and Cassidy (R-LA) announced a proposal to create a $500 billion State Municipal Aid for The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance on providing Recovery and Transition (SMART) Fund. essential non-COVID-19 care to patients in regions with low and stable incidence of COVID-19 as part of Phase 1 of the Trump Administration’s Guidelines for Opening Up April 19 American Again.

CMS announced new regulatory requirements for nursing homes to inform residents, their families, and representatives of COVID-19 cases in their facilities. Nursing homes will also be required to report cases directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to fully cooperate with CDC surveillance efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced they are collecting and sharing best practices and

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 42 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline lessons learned from the whole-of-America response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 forecast. President Trump signed an Executive Order authorizing the Treasury Department to Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) wrote a letter to Democratic colleagues April 18 provide relief to certain US businesses, including critical supply chains for US citing progress in bipartisan negotiations on interim relief manufacturers, during the pandemic. legislation. The President approved a disaster declaration for American Samoa to make funding Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) appointed Senator available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to Toomey (R-PA) to the Congressional Oversight Commission the pandemic. pursuant to the CARES Act. He also announced that Banking Committee Chairman Crapo (R-ID) will lead and coordinate The Small Business Administration (SBA) updated its summary of Paycheck Protection Senate oversight of the CARES Act. Program (PPP) loans through April 16 and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Carranza issued a statement on the program calling on Congress to Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) appointed Rep. Shalala (D-FL) as her appropriate additional funding. Treasury also updated FAQs on the PPP. selection to sit on the Congressional Oversight Commission.

The Federal Reserve announced a temporary change to the Board’s rules to allow House Minority Leader McCarthy (R-CA) appointed Rep. Hill (R- certain bank directors and shareholders to apply for PPP loans for their small AR) as his selection to sit on the Congressional Oversight businesses. Commission.

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they are Several Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Schumer working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so veterans and beneficiaries (D-NY), wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and SBA who receive Compensation and Pension benefits payments will automatically receive Administration Carranza requesting data on the PPP and the April 17 Economic Impact Payments. EIDL and grant program.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new public-private partnership to Rep. Schiff (D-CA) introduced a bill to establish the Commission speed COVID-19 vaccine and treatment options. on the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will extend through October Rep. Roy (R-TX) introduced a bill to modify terms related to the 24 the coronavirus-related limited waiver of the minimum slot usage requirement at Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for applicants affected JFK, LGA, and DCA airports. The FAA will also extend through October 24 its policy for by COVID-19. prioritizing flights canceled at designated IATA Level 2 airports (ORD, EWR, LAX, SFO). Both policies were originally set to expire on May 31. Rep. Tlaib (D-MI) introduced a bill to establish a Boost Communities Program to provide monthly payments to The FAA issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) with updated interim health American consumers during the COVID-19 emergency. guidance for air carriers and crew members during the public health emergency. Rep. Tlaib (D-MI) introduced a bill to prohibit water shutoffs The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released updated during the COVID-19 emergency and to provide drinking and guidance for state and local jurisdictions and the private sector on how to ensure the waste water assistance. resilience of critical infrastructure functions during the pandemic response.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 43 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Sherman (D-CA) introduced a bill to prevent the The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance acceleration of the due date of business loans during the Program (CFAP) will provide $16 billion in direct support to farmers and ranchers and COVID-19 emergency. $3 billion for USDA to purchase and distribute fresh produce, dairy, and meat. Rep. Neguse (D-CO) introduced a bill to require the Secretaries USDA approved North Carolina and Massachusetts to operate Pandemic Electronic of Agriculture and Interior to report jointly on certain efforts to Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or address the COVID-19 pandemic. reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Act. Rep. Doggett (D-TX) introduced a bill to establish a special ACA enrollment period during the COVID-19 emergency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced COVID-19 Resources for State, Local, and Tribal Agencies and Associations. Rep. Omar (D-MN) introduced a bill to suspend obligations of residential renters and mortgagors to make payments during EPA announced it has transferred more than 1,000 N-95 face masks to the Federal the COVID-19 emergency. Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Rep. Meeks (D-NY) introduced a bill to establish a moratorium on collection efforts made by certain lenders against borrowers affected by coronavirus.

Rep. Raskin (D-MD) introduced a bill to provide financial and logistical support to states to reopen their economies.

Rep. Brooks (R-IN) introduced a bill to authorize the acceptance of gifts for the Strategic National Stockpile.

Rep. Brooks (R-IN) introduced a bill to authorize the transfer to and federal department or agency, on a reimbursable basis, any drugs, vaccines, and other biological products, medical devices, and other supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile.

Rep. Dingell (D-MI) introduced a bill to authorize the use of the Strategic National Stockpile to enhance medical supply chain elasticity and establish and maintain domestic reserves of critical medical supplies.

The White House sent Guidelines for Opening Up America Again to the nation’s A group of over 100 House members wrote a letter to SBA governors. Administrator Carranza seeking information about Economic April 16 Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and how Congress can assist the program.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 44 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The President approved a disaster declaration for Mississippi to make funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the CARES Act the pandemic. will increase federal deficits by $1.8 trillion over 10 years.

The Federal Reserve announced the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility is operational and available to provide liquidity to eligible financial institutions.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new contract with GE, in partnership with Ford, under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to produce 50,000 ventilators by July 13.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a temporary policy for compounding of certain drugs for hospitalized patients by outsourcing facilities during the public health emergency.

The Department of Labor (DOL) released unemployment insurance weekly claims data showing for the week ending April 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was approximately 5.2 million, a decrease of 1.37 million from the previous week’s revised level.

The DOL issued an alert to help keep manufacturing workers safe during the pandemic.

The DOL issued interim guidance to advise compliance safety and health officers to evaluate an employer’s good faith efforts to comply with safety and health standards during the pandemic.

In a Federal Register notice scheduled to be published April 17, the International Trade Commission announced it will conduct an investigation at the request of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee on COVID-19 Related Goods: US Imports and Tariffs for the purpose of identifying imported goods related to the COVID-19 response, their source countries, tariff classifications, and applicable rates of duty. The Commission will transmit the report to Congress by April 30.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new charges and solicited additional nominations for the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee Disaster Response and Recovery Working Group to address challenges presented by COVID-19.

The FCC approved the first six applications for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 45 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety alert for carrying cargo in passenger cabins as passenger airlines look to modify operations to carry more cargo during the pandemic.

The Department of Energy (DOE) updated FAQ on the energy sector response to COVID-19.

The Department of State issued an action plan to support the international response to COVID-19. The White House invited select bipartisan members of the House and the Senate to Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) and House Minority participate in a task force on reopening the economy. Leader McCarthy (D-CA) issued a statement calling Democrats to agree to provide additional funding for the Paycheck The Treasury Department updated FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Protection Program (PPP). Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Carranza issued a statement calling on Congress to appropriate additional funds for Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) issued a statement criticizing the the program. President’s decision to withhold funding from the World Health Organization. The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched the Get My Payment app for taxpayers who filed returns in 2018 or 2019 but did not provide Senate Democrats released a Roadmap to Reopening by banking information to submit information necessary to receive Economic Impact Ensuring a Speedy and Ubiquitous Lab Testing System Payments electronically. (RESULTS). The plan includes six components: requiring a strategic plan to leverage a “whole of society response”; The Treasury Department and Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that emergency funding to enable rapid scaling of testing and the April 15 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will automatically receive Economic full range of activities that support testing to maximize its Impact Payments. impact; pipeline to develop, validate, and allocate accurate, reliable tests to ensure adequate supply; structures to The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a $90 million award administer tests in every community across the country; robust to Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program recipients to respond to COVID-19 pursuant to the public health infrastructure to respond to results and better CARES Act. contain COVID-19; and transparency and accountability across the testing system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its COVID-19 FAQs. A group of bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers wrote a letter to US In a Federal Register notice scheduled to be published April 16, the Election Assistance Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) urging the Commission announced it will hold a virtual hearing on April 22 to discuss issues facing Administration to waive restrictions that prevent doctors on state and local officials regarding elections and the COVID-19 pandemic. certain employment-based visas from providing care at locations or in specialties other than those specifically approved The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) published a COVID-19 fact sheet. for their immigration status.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 46 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare will nearly double payment for high-production coronavirus lab test.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a study validated three decontamination methods for re-use of N95 respirators.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a temporary final rule to change certain H-2A requirements to help US agricultural employers avoid disruptions in lawful agriculture-related employment.

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced it is negotiating contract awards with nine US companies for the purpose of storing US-produced crude oil in the Nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) amid COVID-related excess supply.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two new Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for serology tests to detect the presence of coronavirus antibodies. The FDA also issued an EUA for a N95 respirator decontamination system.

The FDA published a summary of its major activities in the fight against COVID-19. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) announced that the Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 in Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Senate, like the House, will not return to Washington until May Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Vermont. 4. McConnell also reiterated his call for the Senate to pass a clean bill to provide the Paycheck Protection Program with The President announced 17 Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups will additional funds. work with the White House to bolster the economy. The groups represent the agriculture, banking, construction/labor/workforce, defense, energy, financial Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) sent a letter to Democratic colleagues services, food and beverage, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, retail, urging the Federal Reserve to make nonprofits and universities tech, telecommunications, transportation, and sports sectors. A final group of thought eligible for its Main Street lending facility. leaders includes former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, economist Art Laffer, and April 14 former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, among others. Over two dozen Senate Democrats wrote a letter to leadership calling for at least $1 billion in funding for the FCC Lifeline The President announced the United States will withhold funding from the World program in future coronavirus relief legislation. Health Organization. Bipartisan House and Senate Judiciary Committee leadership The Treasury Department updated its FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) wrote a letter to US Patent and Trademark Office Director Iancu and published an Interim Final Rule on Additional Eligibility Criteria and Requirements seeking information on USPTO operations during the pandemic. for Certain Pledges of Loans for PPP. The Small Business Administration (SBA) also published a report on PPP approvals through April 13. Rep. Morelle (D-NY) introduced a bill to expand permissible use of funds under the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 47 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Treasury announced that at least 10 airlines intend to participate in the Payroll Support Program. Rep. Harder (D-CA) introduced a bill to provide for deferral of loan payments for graduates during the coronavirus. The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Comptroller of the Currency, National Credit Union Administration, and Consumer Financial Protection Rep. Ryan (D-OH) introduced a bill to provide emergency Bureau announced an Interim Final Rule to temporarily defer real estate-related monthly payments to every American throughout the duration appraisals and evaluations under their interagency appraisal regulations so that of the coronavirus crisis. regulated institutions can extend financing to creditworthy households and businesses quickly during the pandemic. Rep. Scott (D-VA) introduced a bill to provide premium assistance for COBRA continuation coverage and furloughed The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced $10 billion has been awarded to continuation coverage for individuals and their families during airports pursuant to the CARES Act and published FAQs and a presentation on the the COVID-19 emergency and 180 days thereafter. grants. DOT also published a list and map of the awards by airport. Rep. Pappas (D-NH) introduced a bill to required coverage The Department of Education issued guidance that career and technical education under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CTE) programs can donate or loan unused personal protective equipment (PPE) and for COVID-19 vaccines and treatment without imposition of cost other medical supplies to support coronavirus response. sharing requirements.

The Department of Education announced the application process for states to apply Rep. Omar (D-MN) introduced a bill to expand to all states the for $3 billion in emergency block grant funding through the CARES Act Governor’s USDA program to approve retail food stores to accept SNAP Emergency Education Relief Fund. benefits online.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will release $3.5 Rep. Nadler (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide public safety billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant pursuant to the CARES Act. officer death and disability benefits for certain public safety officers who contract COVID-19. The Export-Import Bank (EXIM) Board voted to temporarily restrict export support for certain medical supplies and equipment that are in short supply to ensure availability Rep. Rush (D-IL) introduced a bill to require any principal or to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. interest payments on a residential mortgage loan deferred during the COVID-19 emergency to be due no earlier than the EXIM extended temporary COVID-19 relief measures, including waivers, deadline last day of the loan term. extensions, streamlined processing, and flexibility, through May 31. Rep. Thompson (D-CA) introduced the Business Interruption The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a Safety Advisory recommending Insurance Coverage Act. actions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 among transit employees and passengers.

The Department of Labor (DOL) awarded nearly $2.5 million in National Dislocated Worker Grant funding to Workforce West Virginia to provide employment and training services to workers affected by coal industry layoffs.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 48 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline DOL announced $91.8 million in grant funding is available through the National Farmworker Jobs Program to support the economic stability of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it is enabling drone use for COVID-19 response efforts within its existing regulations and emergency procedures.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the funding notice for an additional $100 million in supplemental Emergency Management Performance Grant Program funds available to all states and territories under the CARES Act. Applications are due by April 28.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters to three sellers of fraudulent COVID-19 products.

The FDA updated its COVID-19 FAQs.

The FDA issued guidance on digital health services for treating psychiatric disorders to expand the availability of these devices while reducing user and provider contact and potential exposure to COVID-19.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is temporarily allowing registrants to notify the agency of certain formulation and manufacturing facility changes and immediately release disinfectant products for sale without waiting for EPA approval.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo postponing the 2019 benefit year HHS Risk Adjustment Data Validation process to allow health insurers and providers to focus on the pandemic.

CMS updated FAQs on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program to reflect enhanced federal funding and recent congressional action related to the pandemic.

CMS provided supplemental guidance for transferring or discharging residents between skilled nursing facilities and/or nursing facilities based on COVID-19 status. The Treasury Department published information for state, local, and tribal Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D- April 13 governments to access $150 billion in relief pursuant to the CARES Act, including NY) issued a joint statement reiterating their priorities for an interim emergency coronavirus relief package, including

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 49 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline information on eligibility of local governments, eligible units of local government, and additional funds for and changes to Small Business required submissions and certifications. Materials must be submitted by April 17. Administration loans; expanded access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and funding for testing Treasury updated FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program. and personal protective equipment.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource House Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) advised members that Guide to help rural communities address resources to address the pandemic. absent an emergency, the House is not expected to meet prior to May 4. The House was previously expected to return April USDA announced that Rhode Island is the second state approved to operate Pandemic 20. Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant to the Families First Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Coronavirus Act. Committee Chairman Johnson (R-WI) said the Committee will examine the origins of and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided options for nonimmigrants facing visa challenges due to the pandemic. Over three dozen bipartisan senators wrote a letter to Senate leadership requesting that any future coronavirus response The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a joint legislation include funding to support victims and survivors of statement underscoring that they will enforce antitrust laws as it pertains to employer domestic violence and sexual assault. coordination to disadvantage workers on the frontlines of the pandemic. 34 Senate Democrats wrote a letter to Secretary of Labor Scalia The Department of Labor (DOL) issued an alert with safety tips for keeping package expressing concern about Department guidance to states on delivery workers safe from exposure to coronavirus. implementing coronavirus unemployment benefits.

The Department of Commerce and Census Bureau announced adjustments to 2020 Senator Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Khanna (D-CA) unveiled a Census operations, including extending the window for response to October 31. proposal for an Essential Workers Bill of Rights to protect frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that new contracts for ventilator production, some under the Defense Production Act, will total over Over 120 House Democrats wrote a letter to House leadership 130,000 new ventilators by the end of 2020. calling for funding for community health centers in the next COVID-19 response package. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a $61.7 million grant to the Missouri Department of Transportation under the CARES Act. Over 100 House Democrats wrote a letter to DHS and USCIS asking that expiring employment authorization documents (EADs) be extended. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Advanced Sterilization Products for systems to decontaminate N95 April 12 respirators.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a policy for purchase

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 50 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline and distribution of food eligible for public assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump approved a disaster declaration for Wyoming to make funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. April 11 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Departments of Treasury and Labor issued guidance to expand coverage for essential diagnostic services amid the COVID-19 public health emergency. The President signed a Presidential Memorandum on providing COVID-19 assistance Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY) and Treasury Secretary to the Italian Republic. Mnuchin spoke and agreed to “pursue bipartisan talks with the leadership of House and Senate Democrats and Republicans” The Treasury Department announced implementation details for the Payroll Support on interim funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. Program for passenger air carriers, cargo air carriers, and related contractors and published Q&A on loans to air carriers and eligible businesses and national security Rep. Schiff (D-CA) and Senators Harris (D-CA) and Feinstein (D- businesses pursuant to the CARES Act. CA) introduced the National Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States Act. Treasury updated its FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program. Senator Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Jayapal (D-WA) introduced the The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched an online tool Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act to allow Medicare to pay and app for people who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019 to submit information all treatment costs for uninsured and cover all out-of-pocket to receive economic impact payments. costs for those coronavirus patients without public or private insurance. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it is beginning to April 10 deliver an initial $30 billion in CARES Act relief to providers. Senators Warren (D-MA) and Harris (D-CA) introduced the Price Gouging Prevention Act to prohibit price gouging of consumer HHS issued guidance for investigators, institutional review boards, and institutions goods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and future conducting human subjects research during the COVID-19 pandemic. emergencies. It is the companion to legislation introduced by Reps. Neguse (D-CA) and Lieu (D-CA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued temporary policy guidance regarding non-standard personal protective equipment (PPE) practices for sterile compounding Senators Romney (R-UT) and Murphy (D-CT) introduced a bill to by pharmacy compounders not registered as outsourcing facilities during the public establish a Global Health Security Interagency Review Council health emergency. and a US Coordinator for Global Health Security.

FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to STERIS Corporation for systems Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced a bill to increase the ability to decontaminate N95 respirators. of nursing facilities to access telehealth services and obtain technologies to allow virtual visits during the COVID-10 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo to all Medicare pandemic. Advantage, Cost, PACE, and Demonstration Organizations on applicability of diagnoses from telehealth services for risk adjustment. Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 51 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Ruiz (D-CA) introduced a bill to establish a special CMS approved a COVID-19 Medicaid emergency waiver for Utah, the 50th such waiver. enrollment period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced it is adjusting 2020 aggregate Rep. Eshoo (D-CA) introduced a bill to expand the FCC Rural production quotas for certain controlled substances and the assessment of annual Health Care Program in response to COVID-19. needs for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in response to the public health emergency. Rep. Gaetz (R-FL) introduced a bill to rescind the CARES Act appropriation for migration and refugee assistance and redirect The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) the funds to CBP and ICE. announced over $1 billion is available to Amtrak to support its COVID-19 response pursuant to the CARES Act. Rep. Burchett (R-TN) introduced a bill to require air carriers receiving federal loans under the CARES Act to limit The FRA published a Safety Advisory recommending that railroads develop and compensation paid to executives to the amount of an implement procedures consistent with federal best practices to ensure safety of executive’s 2019 salary until such loans are repaid. railroad operations and maintenance during the national emergency.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a notice highlighting existing options related to hazardous materials shipping papers and social distancing during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it will begin accepting applications for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program though a dedicated portal on April 13 at 12:00 PM ET.

The FCC provided guidance to public safety entities on requesting temporary authority and waivers in response to COVID-19.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) granted Public Housing Authorities, Indian Tribes, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities waiver authorities and ultimate flexibilities to focus on assisting tenants and properties during the pandemic.

The Department of Labor (DOL) issued interim guidance for enforcing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping requirements as it relates to recording cases of COVID-19.

DOL published Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 17-20, providing further guidance to states to implement the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program pursuant to the CARES Act.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 52 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued interim guidance to guide health and safety decisions at cleanup sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said in a letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that it will defer for 90 days all annual fees for Q3 FY20.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new study to quantify undetected cases of coronavirus infection. President Trump approved disaster declarations for Idaho and Alaska to make funding Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) sought unanimous available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to consent to authorize an additional $250 billion for the Paycheck the pandemic. Protection Program. Senate Democrats objected and offered another proposal to authorize the $250 billion, as well as The Treasury Department launched the Main Street Business Lending Program to additional funds for health care providers, additional funds for make loans available to mid-size businesses and the Municipal Liquidity Facility to state, local and tribal governments, a 15% increase to the make direct financing available to state and localities. maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit, and modifications to CARES Act state election The Federal Reserve announced additional actions to provide up to $2.3 trillion in assistance funding. McConnell objected. loans and released term sheets for the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, the Primary Market Corporate Credit Facility, the Secondary Market Corporate Credit The Senate Commerce Committee convened a paper hearing on Facility, the Municipal Liquidity Facility, the Paycheck Protection Program Lending Enlisting Big Data in the Fight Against Coronavirus. Facility, the Main Street New Loan Facility, and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility. Senators Brown (D-OH), Schatz (D-HI), and Warren (D-OH) wrote a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Powell calling on April 9 The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the the Fed to stop banks from buying back their own stock and Comptroller of the Currency published an interim final rule to encourage lending to paying out dividends. small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program.

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended over 300 tax filing, payment, and administrative deadlines for businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and certain estates and trusts.

The Department of Education announced more than $6 billion in funds authorized by the CARES Act will be immediately distributed to colleges and universities to provide direct emergency cash grants to college students.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will exercise enforcement discretion and will not impose penalties for violations of HIPAA rules in connection with good faith operation of COVID-19 testing sites.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 53 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued best practices on safe food handling and employee health in retail food settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Terumo BCT for a blood purification system to treat COVID-19 patients with confirmed or imminent respiratory failure.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Michigan is the first state approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to provide assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Act.

USDA announced that agricultural producers have 12 months, rather than nine, to repay Marketing Assistance Loans pursuant to the CARES Act.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a waiver for states concerning third party CDL skills test examiners in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a temporary rent suspension to ease the financial burden on disaster survivors in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued interim Trusted Internet Connections guidance to help federal agencies leverage existing resources to secure networks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended its No Sail Order for all cruise ships. President Trump approved a disaster declaration for Vermont to make funding Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D- available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to NY) issued a joint statement outlining priorities for an interim the pandemic. emergency coronavirus package, including an additional $250 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (with $125 April 8 The Treasury Department updated its FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program. designated to flow through community-based financial institutions that serve farmers, family, women, minority, and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a temporary final rule veteran-owned entities); $100 billion for hospitals, health banning export of certain medical protective equipment without authorization. centers, and health systems; $150 billion for state and local

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 54 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Indian Health Service (IHS) announced it is expanding access to telehealth services governments; and a 15% increase to the maximum SNAP across IHS federal facilities. benefit.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced ventilator contracts 13 Senate Democrats wrote a letter to congressional leadership with GM and Philips under the Defense Production Act. HHS also announced an calling for funding for local journalism and media in agreement with DuPont to expedite the delivery of protective suits. forthcoming economic stimulus legislation.

HHS announced new guidance authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Warren (D-MA) wrote a letter to administer COVID-19 tests authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Education Secretary DeVos urging the Department to exclude for-profit colleges from funding available under the CARES Act. HHS awarded over $1.3 billion to over 1,000 health centers pursuant to the CARES Act to help communities respond to the pandemic. Senator Markey (D-MA) wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) calling for comprehensive guidelines for The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued updated guidance companies that provide online conferencing services and best focused on infection control to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in inpatient and practices to protect safety and privacy. outpatient care settings. Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Duckworth (D-IL) wrote a letter to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for critical Treasury Secretary Mnuchin raising concerns about how the infrastructure workers to be permitted to continue to work following exposure to Department is implementing financial assistance to the aviation COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are put in sector. place. A group of bipartisan senators wrote a letter to Treasury The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued guidance granting temporarily relief Secretary Mnuchin calling on the Financial Stability Oversight from certain requirements for flight attendants to protect them from contracting Council (FSOC) to take immediate action to avoid a housing COVID-19. finance system crisis due to the pandemic.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a letter to distributors on House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Maloney delivery of medical supplies under the Stafford Act. (D-NY) introduced a bill to allow deputy inspectors general to chair the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. FEMA and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) issued a joint statement on procedures pertained to attempts to export PPP overseas.

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced it will provide $30 million for advanced research in machine learning and artificial intelligence research to support solving challenges like COVID-19.

The Department of Labor (DOL) issued an alert with safety tips for protecting retail workers during the pandemic.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 55 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline DOL expanded its temporary guidance for respirator fit-testing to apply to all workplaces that require respirator use.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice establishing the procedures for funding its COVID-19 Telehealth Program.

The Department of Education issued a fact sheet on use of grant funds during the pandemic.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended through May 15 hours of service rules for truck drivers carrying COVID-19 response supplies. President Trump approved a disaster declaration for Minnesota to make funding Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) said he will work with available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Minority Leader Schumer (D- the pandemic. NY) to approve additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program on April 9 by unanimous consent or voice vote. The Treasury Department updated its FAQs on the Paycheck Protection Program. A group of Democratic Senators wrote a letter to the The Federal Reserve and other federal financial agencies issued a joint statement on Department of Justice calling on the Bureau of Prisons to use loan modifications by financial institutions working with customers affected by the new CARES Act authority to waive phone charges for coronavirus. incarcerated people during the pandemic.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Final Order on minimum service Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Grassley (R-IA) wrote a letter to requirements for airlines receiving aid under the CARES Act. Attorney General Barr urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to vigorously enforce Executive Order 13910 to prevent price The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) sent a letter to clinicians summarizing gouging. April 7 actions to ensure maximum flexibility for treating patients. Senators Grassley (R-IA) and Duckworth (D-IL) led a group of CMS approved approximately $34 billion for healthcare providers through the bipartisan Senators on a letter to Secretary of Agriculture expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. Purdue requesting additional funds for the biofuel industry through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) during the CMS updated its recommendations to limit non-emergent, elective treatment, and pandemic. preventative medical services for patients. Several House Democrats introduced the COVID-19 Price The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published FAQs for patients about clinical Gouging Prevention Act to empower the Federal Trade trials during the pandemic. Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to fine sellers who increase prices unreasonably during the national The FDA published a Temporary Policy Regarding Enforcement of the Egg Safety Rule emergency. During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 56 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The FDA published FAQs on animal food safety and COVID-19. Rep. Davis (D-IL) introduced a bill to provide funding for child and adult care so essential workers can report to work during The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published guidance for building the pandemic. water systems after a prolonged shutdown due to COVID-19. Rep. Neguse (D-CO) introduced a bill to provide for an The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) posted supplemental enhanced coronavirus relief fund for governments with a award information for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) population of 500,000 or less. grants funds under the CARES Act. Rep. Perlmutter (D-CO) introduced a bill to provide for an enhanced coronavirus relief fund.

House Budget Committee Chairman Yarmuth (D-KY) wrote a letter to Acting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Vought asking for details on how the CARES Act will be implemented.

Joint Economic Committee Vice Chair Beyer (D-VA) wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin urging the Department to provide clear guidance to small businesses and lenders on Paycheck Protection Program implementation. Beyer also wrote a letter to Acting Secretary of Homeland security Wolf urging stricter COVID-19 protocols at US airports. The Treasury Department published FAQ on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Hoeven (R-ND) led a large bipartisan group of senators on a letter to Secretary of The Treasury Department published Q&A on loans to air carriers and eligible Agriculture Perdue urging the Administration to ensure the businesses and national security businesses under the CARES Act alongside a draft continuity of food supply to rural areas by providing certain application form. temporary relief to farmers.

The Federal Reserve announced it will establish a facility to facilitate lending to small Senators Cramer (R-ND) and Klobuchar (D-MN) and Reps. Welch businesses via the PPP by providing term financing backed by PPP loans. (D-VT) and Marshall (R-KS) led a letter to congressional April 6 leadership calling for funds to help small broadband providers The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that $186 million will sustain services and upgrades for students and low-income be made available to state and local jurisdictions for additional resources to respond families in forthcoming coronavirus response legislation. to COVID-19. HHS also announced that it is purchasing rapid point-of-care COVID-19 tests for state, territorial, and tribal public health labs.

The Department of Labor (DOL) published a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) poster aimed at reducing workplace exposure to COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 57 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hosted a webinar on guidance on enforcement policy for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. FDA also posted FAQs on shortages of surgical masks and gowns and FAQs on 3D printing of medical devices, accessories, components, and parts during the pandemic.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is donating 225,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to state and local responders.

The Department of Education announced a new streamlined process for providing states funding flexibilities to meet the needs of students and educators during the pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published recommendations for running errands including grocery shopping, getting takeout and gas, and doctor visits. President Trump approved disaster declarations for Delaware, South Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Mississippi to make funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic.

The Department of Labor (DOL) published Unemployment Insurance Program Letter April 5 16-20 providing guidance to states for implementation of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance on infusion pumps and accessories. President Trump approved disaster declarations for Arizona, Nevada, Maine, Utah, Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) sent a letter to House colleagues Nebraska, and Wisconsin to make funding available to state, tribal, and local reiterating the need to pass a CARES 2 package to extend and governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. expand the CARES Act. She cited more assistance for small businesses (including farmers), extending unemployment The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a business review letter to several medical benefits, additional direct payments, and additional resources supplies companies announcing it would not challenges collaborative efforts to for state and local governments and the healthcare sector as produce and distribute personal protective equipment (PPE). priorities. April 4

The Department of Labor (DOL) published Unemployment Insurance Guidance Letter 15-20 providing guidance to states for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to participate in the Paycheck

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 58 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to the extent they meet the CARES Act eligibility criteria.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance on clinical electronic thermometers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published FAQs on airport grants under the CARES Act. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Allocating Certain Scarce or Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) said in a statement that Congress should Threatened Health and Medical Resources to Domestic Use. “double down on the downpayment we made in CARES by passing a CARES 2 package,” specifying a need for further President Trump announced he will nominate Brian Miller to be Special Inspector assistance to small business, to expand unemployment General for Pandemic Recovery within the Treasury Department. Miller is currently insurance, and provide more resources for the healthcare Special Assistant to the President and Senior Associate Counsel in the Office of White system. House Counsel. Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) said that healthcare is President Trump approved disaster declarations for New Hampshire, Indiana, West his top priority for Phase 4 of coronavirus response legislation. Virginia, Arkansas, and Oregon to make funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson (D- MS) introduced bill to establish a National Commission The Treasury Department and Small Business Administration (SBA) published an Regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. Interim Final Rule on Affiliation and additional guidance on the affiliation rules for the Paycheck Protection Program. Rep. Neguse (D-CO) introduced a bill to prohibit debt from April 3 medically necessary procedures related to COVID-19 from being The SBA announced in a Federal Register notice that Economic Injury Disaster Loan included on credit reports. (EIDL) declarations have been issued for each state and territory. Rep. Davis (R-IL) introduced a bill to establish the National The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on use of Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic. cloth face coverings and published FAQ. Rep. Chu (D-CA) introduced a bill to ensure that all communities The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an Enforcement Notice clarifying, in have access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, public health the context of the COVID-19 public health emergency, carriers’ responsibilities information, and relief benefits regardless of immigration status regarding refunds. or English proficiency.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a Notice of Enforcement Rep. Carter (R-GA) introduced a bill to direct the FTC to develop Discretion to enable states to permit food trucks to operate at federally funded and disseminate information to the public about scams related Interstate Highway rest areas during the pandemic. to COVID-19.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 59 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $200 million in Rep. Omar (D-MN) introduced a bill to require that school food Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) is available to respond to COVID-19. authorities and local educational agencies not collect unpaid meal fees during the pandemic. The Department of Labor (DOL) announced additional guidance to provide information to workers and employers about paid sick leave and expanded family and Rep. Hayes (D-CT) introduced a bill to modify nutrition medical leave pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. programs to address coronavirus.

DOL issued interim enforcement guidance for respiratory protection during the N95 Rep. Murphy (D-FL) introduced a bill to establish a National shortage due to the pandemic. Commission on the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waived sponsorship identification Reps. Neguse (D-CO) and Lieu (D-CA) introduced the Price requirements for COVID-19 public service announcements. Gouging Prevention Act to prohibit price gouging throughout the current and future public health crises. The FCC temporarily waived restrictions on hiring contractors for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services to meet increased demand.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program running from April 14-July 13.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced steps to provide additional financial, benefits, and claims relief for veterans. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum under the Defense Production Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) announced a new House Select Act (DPA) to secure supplies for manufacturers to build ventilators. He also signed a Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis chaired by Majority Whip Presidential Memorandum under the DPA authorizing FEMA to acquire N-95 Clyburn (D-SC) responsible for response and relief expenditures respirators from 3M or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. oversight.

President Trump approved disaster declarations for Virginia, the Virgin Islands, and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson (D- Tennessee to make funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and MS) wrote letters to the nation’s governors asking them to help certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. the Committee account for medical supplies and equipment April 2 requested from and provided by the federal government. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 in Georgia, Hawaii, Senator Hawley (R-MO) wrote a letter to SBA Administrator Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Carranza expressing concern about the eligibility of churches Texas, and the Virgin Islands. and religious non-profits to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Small Business Administration (SBA) published the interim final rule outlining how it will implement the Paycheck Protection Program. It also made available the final borrower application form and the lender electronic data form.

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The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced how $3.064 billion will be allocated through its Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS programs pursuant to the CARES Act. HUD is writing new grant formulas for the remaining $9.136 billion in relief funding.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will exercise enforcement discretion and not impose penalties for violations of certain HIPAA provisions for public health and oversight activities during the public health emergency.

The Department of Labor (DOL) released its unemployment insurance weekly claims report.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated guidance on blood donation to address the urgent need for blood during the pandemic.

HHS and Department of Justice (DOJ) distributed more than half a million medical supplies confiscated from price gougers to frontline responders in New York and New Jersey.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced $25 billion is available to public transportation systems to respond to COVID-19 pursuant to the CARES Act.

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced a solicitation to immediately make 30 million barrels of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve’s (SPR) oil storage capacity available to US oil producers that are struggling due to COVID-19. President Trump approved disaster declarations for North Dakota, Hawaii, and the House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson (D- Northern Mariana Islands to make funding available to state, tribal, and local MS) said he will introduce legislation to establish an governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. independent, bipartisan, Congressionally-chartered commission to evaluate and report on the nation’s preparedness and The Department of Education proposed new rules to govern distance learning for response to the COVID-19 pandemic. April 1 higher education students. Rep. Neguse (D-CO) introduced a bill to provide $25 billion to The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced $850 million is available to help public the Postal Service Fund amidst the pandemic. safety agencies through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program authorized by the CARES Act. Rep. Rose (D-NY) introduced a bill to establish a program to provide low-interest loans to health care organizations to assist

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 61 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published FAQs to help with anticipated revenue loss or higher operating costs as a small and midsize business navigate paid sick and family leave tax credits. result of COVID-19.

Treasury and the IRS announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically Rep. Lawson (D-FL) introduced a bill to provide for a temporary required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated return to receive an debt collection moratorium. Economic Impact payment. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking The Department of Labor (DOL) announced a temporary rule implementing new paid Member Carper (D-DE) and other Senate Democrats sent a sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raising Response Act. concerns about the agency’s response to the pandemic.

DOL released a second round of FAQs covering issues related to the H-2A temporary 14 House Committee chairs wrote a letter to Office of agricultural labor certification program. Management and Budget (OMB) Acting Director Russell Vought requesting an immediate extension of public comment periods, The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a memorandum hearings, and meetings during the pandemic and that OMB providing regulatory waivers of certain Continuum of Care (CoC), Emergency Solutions direct agencies to extend public comment periods by at least 45 Grant (ESG), Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and Consolidated Plan days beyond the end of the declared national emergency. requirements to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and provide additional support to eligible individuals economically impacted by COVID-19. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley (R-IA) published FAQ on unemployment insurance under the CARES Act. HUD announced a new tailored set of mortgage payment relief options for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, as well as an extension period for seniors with Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published recommendations for states, localities, and territories that have implemented shelter in place or travel restrictions that may impact freight and passenger transportation. President Trump approved disaster declarations for Ohio and Montana to make House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. Khanna (D-CA) funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Small Business respond to the pandemic. Administrator Carranza urging the Administration to consider startups in their regulatory guidance when implementing the The Treasury Department and Small Business Administration (SBA) announced they CARES Act. March 31 are mobilizing banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with needed capital through the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program established by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley (R-IA) published the CARES Act. answers to frequently asked questions on the employee retention credit established by the CARES Act. The Treasury Department announced it is delaying tax and reporting due dates for alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunitions businesses.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 62 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Senator Markey (D-MA) and several other Senate Democrats The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a show cause order proposing that air sent a letter to 11 airlines urging them to issue full cash refunds carriers receiving financial assistance under the CARES Act maintain minimum air to customers who cancel flights, as well as Americans stranded services on a nationwide basis, with some exceptions, to ensure that covered air abroad, during the COVID-19 crisis. carriers maintain a defined schedule of flights to communities they served prior to March 1. The proposed order applies to air carriers offering scheduled passenger service and all-cargo carriers, though at this time, DOT does not propose to require service obligations of all-cargo carriers. It does not cover charter or air taxi operations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance for industry on Notifying FDA of Permanent Discontinuance or Interruption in Manufacturing Under Section 506C of the FD&C Act amid supply chain disruptions and product shortages attributable to the pandemic.

The FDA announced a new Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP) to expedite the development of potentially safe and effective life-saving treatments.

US Surgeon General Jerome Adams and Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir wrote an open letter to hospitals on optimizing ventilator use during the pandemic.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) secured the votes necessary to advance Chairman Pai’s proposed COVID-19 Telehealth Program to distribute $200 million provided by the CARES Act.

The FCC approved a waiver to allow competitive eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) to focus Universal Service Funds for communities hardest hit by the pandemic.

The Department of Education announced new deadline flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) leaders who are required to submit local CTE plans for FY20- 23by April 15

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued an Order to identify operational solutions to cargo delivery system challenges related to COVID-19.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) extended certain patent and trademark- related deadlines pursuant to the CARES Act.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 63 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 in Connecticut, Illinois, Barrasso (R-WY) and Ranking Member Carper (D-DE) and House and Michigan. Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Walden (R- OR) wrote a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) President Trump approved disaster declarations for Kansas and Alabama, Rhode requesting the agency use its authority to temporarily defer Island, and Pennsylvania to make funding available to state, tribal, and local collection of fees and charges from NRC licensees. governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. Senator Markey (D-MA) and other Senate Democrats The Council of the Inspectors General announced that Acting Department of Defense introduced a resolution to express the sense of Congress Inspector General Glenn Fine will serve as the Chair of the Pandemic Response regarding the need for a nationwide moratorium on electric and Accountability Committee (PRAC) pursuant to the CARES Act to oversee federal funds natural gas utility disconnections during the pandemic. used for coronavirus response. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley (R-IA), Ranking The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the Biomedical Member Wyden (D-OR), and other Committee members wrote Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) will support non-clinical letter to US Trade Representative Lighthizer requesting a delay studies and a Phase 1 clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine. The clinical trial is set to to the proposed June 1 entry into force of the US-Mexico- begin no later than fall 2020 with the goal of making the vaccine available for Canada trade agreement (USMCA). The Senators expressed emergency use in early 2021. concern that businesses, under pressure from the pandemic, may not have the information or capacity to comply with new March 30 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) issued temporary waivers and new rules at this time. rules to provide the healthcare system with additional flexibility to respond to the coronavirus. The actions fall into four categories: increasing hospital capacity, A group of Senate Republicans wrote a letter to Interior expanding the healthcare workforce, reducing paperwork, and further promoting Secretary Bernhardt asking him to suspend, reduce, or delay telehealth in Medicare. federal royalty payments for oil, gas, and coal to the Treasury.  Increasing hospital capacity: allow communities to take advantage of local ambulatory surgery centers that have canceled elective surgeries; temporarily The bipartisan leadership of the Senate Small Business and permit non-hospital buildings and spaces to be used for patient care and Aging Committees wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin quarantine sites; allow hospitals, labs, and other entities to perform tests for and SBA Administrator Carranza urging them to swiftly COVID-19 outside of hospitals; allow hospital emergency departments to test implement the Keeping American Workers Paid and Employer and screen patients at drive-through and off-campus test sites; allow Act, part of the CARES Act. ambulances to transport patients to a wider range of locations; allow physician-owned hospitals to temporarily increase the number of licensed Senators Barrasso (R-WY) and Bennet (D-CO) and Reps. Roe (R- beds, operating rooms, and procedure rooms; allow hospitals to bill for TN) and Schrier (D-WA) led a letter signed by 122 members of services outside their four walls; Congress to Secretary of Health and Human Services Azar  Expanding the healthcare workforce: allow hospitals and healthcare systems calling on the Department to use funding provided by the to increase workforce capacity by removing barriers for hire; allow hospitals CARES Act to sustain rural health providers. to use other practioners (i.e., physician associates and nurse practioners) to the fullest extent possible; allow certified registered nurse anesthetists to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Nadler (D-NY) and Rep. operate without supervision of a physician; allow hospitals to provide benefits Bass (D-CA) wrote a letter to Attorney General Barr urging the

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 64 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline and support to medical staffs (i.e., meals and laundry service); allow Department of Justice to use authority granted under the healthcare providers to enroll in Medicare temporarily; CARES Act to protect vulnerable prisoners.  Reducing paperwork: temporarily eliminate certain paperwork requirements; cover respiratory-related devices and equipment for any medical reason House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Patrick under Medicare; waive requirement for hospitals to have written policies on McHenry (R-NC) wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin processes and visitation of patients who are in COVID-19 isolation; provide and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman temporary relief from many audit and reporting requirements; Clayton urging them to ensure emergency relief and economic  Expanding telehealth in Medicare: allow for more than 80 additional services recovery benefits all Americans, including gig workers. to be furnished via telehealth; allow providers to bill for telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits; allow telehealth to fulfill many face-to-face visit requirements for clinicians to see patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, hospice, and home health; make clear that clinicians can provide remote patient monitoring services to patients with acute and chronic conditions and can be provided for patients with only one disease; allow physicians to supervise clinical staff using virtual technologies when appropriate.

The Treasury Department issued guidance for airlines and related eligible businesses to apply for $58 billion in grants and loans authorized by the CARES Act. Guidelines and application procedures for air carriers and contractors to seek payroll support is available here. Procedures and minimum requirements for loans to air carriers and other eligible businesses is available here.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) pertaining to temporary parking of overflow aircraft. The SAFO notes that runways that have already been permanently closed or abandoned can be made available for overflow parking, as long as the aircraft meets the standards.

In a Federal Register notice scheduled to be published on March 31, the FAA announced that pilots and flight engineers will be able to fly with expired medical certificates through June 30 due to extraordinary circumstances.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced additional flexibility for applicants and petitioners to respond to USCIS Requests for Evidences (RFE) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID).

USCIS announced it will reuse previously submitted biometrics to process Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, extension requests while Application Support Centers (ASCs) are closed during the pandemic.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 65 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Pai circulated an Order for a vote to stand up a $100 million Connected Care Pilot Program plus an emergency $200 million COVID-19 Telehealth Program appropriated in the CARES Act.

The FCC announced steps to help ensure that no current Lifeline subscribers are involuntarily removed from the program during the pandemic by waiving several rules that could otherwise result in de-enrollment.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that direct payments to Americans under the CARES Act will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. Some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the payment. More details will be announced.

The Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating sites as possible alternate care facilities. President Trump announced the Administration will extend nationwide social distancing guidelines, set to expire on March 30, through April 30.

The first planeload of medical supplies delivered under Project Airbridge arrived in New York City from China. Project Airbridge is a public-private partnership that will support expedited arrival of medical supplies by plane, rather than ships, over the next 30 days. The first plane was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

President Trump approved disaster declarations for the District of Columbia, Georgia, Oregon, and Connecticut to make funding available to state, tribal, and local March 29 governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic.

Vice President Pence wrote a letter to hospital administrators requesting that all hospitals provide certain information related to the pandemic to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. HHS accepted donations of 30 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate and one million doses of chloroquine phosphate to the Strategic National Stockpile.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 66 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The FDA issued a revised EUA to allow large-scale use of a system to decontaminate used N95 respirators during the pandemic.

The FDA issued guidance outlining an enforcement policy to help expand availability and capability of sterilizers, disinfectant devices, and air purifiers. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for The Massachusetts delegation wrote a letter to Secretary of Governor’s Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 in Florida, Louisiana, State Pompeo and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Wolf Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. urging the Administration to continue to process and prioritize J-1 and H-1B visas for medical providers. President Trump approved disaster declarations for Colorado, Kentucky, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Guam to make funding available to state, tribal, and local Senate Banking Committee Chairman Crapo (R-ID) wrote a governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Fed Chairman Powell urging them to quickly issue guidance to implement the CARES The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Domestic Travel Act. Advisory for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut urging residents of those states March 28 to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days. The Advisory does not apply to essential employees.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released updated guidance on critical infrastructure workers.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released new guidance on expanding the Accelerated and Advance Payment Program to a broader group of Medicare Part A providers and Part B suppliers for the duration of the public health emergency in accordance with the CARES Act. President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Secretary of Health The House passed the CARES Act by voice vote and the and Human Services to use authority available under the Defense Production Act to President signed it into law. require General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize federal contracts for ventilators. Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) and 16 other Senate Democrats wrote a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman President Trump signed an Executive Order on Delegating Additional Authority Under Simons urging the FTC to use the full extent of its authority to March 27 the Defense Production Act with Respect to Health and Medical Resources to Respond prevent abusive price gouging on consumer health products. to the Spread of COVID-19. Rep. Steil (R-WI) introduced a bill to rescind the appropriations President Trump signed an Executive Order to Order the Selected Reserve and Certain made to the Kennedy Center in the CARES Act. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces to Active Duty.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 67 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline President Trump approved disaster declarations for Puerto Rico and South Carolina to make funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to the pandemic.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Wyoming’s state Medicaid waiver request to provide additional flexibility to care for Medicaid beneficiaries during the public health emergency. It is the 34th approved request.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the emergency use in health care settings of certain ventilators and other equipment that can be modified for use as a ventilator.

The FDA issued an EUA for a coronavirus test.

The FDA issued updated guidance on conduct of clinical trials of medical products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced steps to protect the nation’s gasoline supply in response to the pandemic.

EPA Administrator Wheeler sent a letter to governors urging them to ensure that drinking water and wastewater employees are considered essential workers by state authorities when enacting restrictions such as shelter in place orders to curb the pandemic.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released its COVID-19 Response Plan.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) temporarily waived access arbitrage rules to ensure continued access to major conference calling services.

The FCC granted temporary spectrum access to 33 internet service providers to help serve rural communities facing an increase in broadband needs during the pandemic. President Trump approved disaster declarations for New Jersey, Illinois, Missouri, and Rep. Biggs (R-AZ) introduced a bill to provide tax and regulatory Maryland to make funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain relief and health care flexibility to individuals and businesses nonprofits to respond to the pandemic. affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. March 26 The Department of Homeland Security announced the deadline to obtain a REAL ID Rep. Steube (R-FL) introduced a bill to develop and carry out a will be extended from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021 to account for the fact that strategy to seek reimbursement from China of funds made many states have closed DMVs. available by the US government to address coronavirus.

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The Department of Labor announced additional guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The Department of Agriculture announced waivers to create flexibilities for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to get food during the national emergency.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced additional flexibilities to increase the availability of disinfectant products for use against coronavirus.

The EPA announced a temporary enforcement discretion policy for civil violations during the pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration issued guidance to provide restaurants and food manufacturers with flexibility regarding nutrition labeling to sell certain packaged foods during the pandemic.

The Department of State authorized consular offices to expand the categories of H-2 visa applicants who applications can be adjudicated without an in-person interview.

Secretary of State Pompeo announced that the Department of State will provide $274 million in emergency health and humanitarian funding to 64 of the world’s most at- risk countries to better combat the pandemic.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) extended the Rural Health Care Program application window to June 30.

The FCC granted temporary spectrum access to serve Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands during the pandemic. President Trump approved disaster declarations for Texas and Florida to make funding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to respond to Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that they reached an the pandemic. agreement on the CARES Act, the third phase of coronavirus response legislation. It passed 96-0. March 25 In accordance with the President’s recent Executive Order to prevent hoarding of health and medical resources, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Blumenthal (D-CT), Hirono (D-HI), announced a list of certain supplies subject to hoarding prevention measures. and Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Disaster and Emergency Pricing Abuse Prevention Act aimed at preventing The Department of Defense established a joint task force to address requests for the sale of essential goods and services at excessive prices

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 69 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline medical and personal protective equipment from the Federal Emergency Management during, or in anticipation of a natural disaster, pandemic, or Agency, the Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, and state of emergency. others. Senator Jones (D-AL) introduced a bill to place a moratorium on evictions during the coronavirus emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a Federal Register notice scheduled Rep. Green (D-TX) introduced a bill to provide assistance for fair to be published on March 25 that it has tentatively decided to extend through October housing enforcement activities associated with the COVID-19 24 the coronavirus-related limited waiver of the minimum slot usage requirement at pandemic. JFK, LGA, and DCA airports. The notice also states the FAA has tentatively decided to extend through October 24 its coronavirus-related policy for prioritizing flights Rep. Velazquez (D-NY) introduced a bill to provide community- canceled at designated International Air Transport Association (IATA) Level 2 airports based nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger groups with funding to in the US (ORD, EWR, LAX, SFO). Both policies were originally set to expire on May 31. partner with small and mid-sized restaurants to expand meal access and delivery for low-income and vulnerable populations The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services during a pandemic or public health emergency. Administration (HRSA) awarded $100 million to over 1,300 health centers with funding provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Senator Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bill to provide oversight for March 24 Appropriations Act. the care and assistance provided to businesses under the coronavirus relief package. HHS announced $250 million in grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to help communities provide meals for older adults as the result of additional funding provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided instructions to manufacturers to increase US supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and devices.

The FDA announced it will temporarily not enforce certain requirements to facilitate more opportunities for veterinarians to utilize telemedicine during the pandemic. The White House announced the launch of the COVID-19 High Performance A second Senate procedural vote to advance H.R. 748, the Computing Consortium to provide researchers worldwide with access to high legislative vehicle for S. 3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and performance computing resources to advance the pace of scientific discovery to stop Economic Security (CARES) Act, failed 49-46 (60 vote threshold). the spread of coronavirus. House Democrats introduced their own third phase of President Trump signed an Executive Order on Preventing Hoarding of Health and coronavirus response legislation, H.R. 6379, the Take March 23 Medical Resources to Respond to the Spread of COVID-19, delegating to the Secretary Responsibility for Workers and Families Act. of Health and Human Services authority to prevent hoarding of certain resources and to implement any restrictions on hoarding. Reps. Velazquez (D-NY) and Smith (R-NJ) led a bipartisan bill to waive fees for travelers who require evacuation assistance from the State Department.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 70 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an enhanced Rep. Velazquez (D-NY) introduced the Ensuring Affordable inspection process for healthcare facilities to assess whether or not they are prepared Housing Security During the Coronavirus Emergency Act to to meet CMS expectations for preventing the spread of COVID-19. suspend rental payments for anyone participating in Department of Housing and Urban Development and The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced existing SBA disaster loan Department of Agriculture affordable housing programs. payments will be deferred through the end of 2020. Rep. Wexton (D-VA) introduced a bill to require federal financial The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an additional 11 regulators to issue interagency regulatory guidance in order to state Medicaid waiver requests to provide flexibility to focus resources on combatting provide forms of relief to borrowers and customers during coronavirus. 13 such waivers have been approved. pandemics and major disasters, to continue to operate and provide services and lending, and to require such regulators to President Trump approved disaster declarations for Iowa and Louisiana to make conduct testing with financial institutions to assess pandemic or funding available to state, tribal, and local governments and certain nonprofits to disaster preparedness. respond to the pandemic. Rep. Sherman (D-CA) introduced a bill to require issuers to disclose risks related to global pandemics.

Rep. Langevin (D-RI) introduced a bill to temporarily modify the John H. Chaffee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Horn (D-KS) introduced a bill to ensure that facilities of the Indian Health Service, facilities operated by an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or inter-tribal consortium, and facilities operated by an urban Indian organization receive items from the strategic national stockpile or qualified pandemic or epidemic products directly from HHS.

Rep. Espaillat (D-NY) introduced a bill to require the SBA to provide economic injury grants for small business concerns affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Dean (D-PA) introduced a bill to provide relief for federal and private student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Pappas (D-NH) introduced a bill to allow a tax credit for certain coronavirus-related charitable contributions for taxable year 2020.

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Rep. Vargas (D-CA) introduced a bill to increase the amount available under the Defense Production Act to respond to the coronavirus epidemic.

Rep. Garcia (D-IL) introduced a bill to establish a moratorium on evictions from rental dwelling units during the public health emergency relating to coronavirus.

Rep. Pressley (D-MA) introduced a bill to authorize emergency homeless assistance grants under the Emergency Solutions Grants program for response to coronavirus.

Rep. Heck (D-WA) introduced a bill to provide emergency rental assistance under the HUD Emergency Solutions Grants program in response to the coronavirus public health emergency.

Rep. Castro (D-TX) introduced a bill to provide support and flexibility to the Corporation for National and Community Service to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The President signed a Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Governors’ Use A Senate procedural vote to advance H.R. 748, the legislative of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19. FEMA and DHS will fund 100% of vehicle for S. 3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic emergency assistance activities in California, New York, and Washington. The Security (CARES) Act, failed 47-47 (60 vote threshold). President also approved disaster declarations for all three states. Senator Casey (D-PA) introduced a bill to modify nutrition March 22 The Department of Justice announced its first enforcement action against COVID-19 programs to address the coronavirus disease. fraud. Senator Booker (D-NJ) introduced a bill to prohibit depository institutions from assessing overdraft and non-sufficient fund fees during the coronavirus crisis and other disasters. HHS announced additional funding under its Biomedical Advanced Research and March 21 Development Authority (BARDA) to support a clinical trial to evaluate Kevzara as a potential treatment for severely ill COVID-19 patients. The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended until July 15 Senator Romney (R-UT) introduced a bill to provide for deferral the deadline to both file and pay 2019 taxes and estimated tax payments for tax year of loan repayment for graduates during the period of the 2020 that are due on April 15. coronavirus. March 20

The Department of Education suspended federal student loan payments and waived interest during the national emergency. All borrowers with federally held student

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 72 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 Senator Rounds (R-SD) introduced a bill to require the Secretary days. In addition, each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their of Agriculture to provide payments to cattle producers to offset payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national losses due to coronavirus. emergency.

The Department of Education announced students impacted by school closures due to the pandemic can bypass standardized testing for the 2019-2020 school year.

The FDA issued a new policy that allows manufacturers of certain FDA-cleared non- invasive, vital sign-measuring devices to expand their use so that health care providers can use them to monitor patients remotely. The devices include those that measure body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and blood pressure.

The FDA issued two guidance documents to communicate its policy for the temporary manufacture of certain alcohol-based hand sanitizer products.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) temporarily suspended premium processing for I-129 and I-140 petitions. USCIS will also accept all benefit forms and documents with reproduced original signatures, including the Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, for submissions dated March 21, 2020, and beyond.

HHS announced that the CDC will provide $80 million in funding to tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations to support coronavirus response efforts.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance on telehealth remote communications following its Notification of Enforcement Discretion during the public health emergency.

In a memorandum to the Secretary of the Treasury scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on March 25, the President delegated authority to the Secretary for use of the Exchange Stabilization Fund in an aggregate amount of up to $50 billion. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidelines defining critical Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced S. workers who should maintain normal working schedules during the pandemic. 3548, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a third phase of coronavirus response legislation. March 19 The State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory warning Americans against traveling abroad and encouraging Americans already overseas to shelter in place. Senator Harris (D-CA) introduced a bill to amend the Stafford Act to provide assistance to individuals affected by a pandemic. The Department of Energy (DOE) announced it will fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 73 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline (SPR) to its maximum capacity by purchasing 77 million barrels of American-made Senator Cruz (R-TX) introduced a bill to waive limitations on crude oil and announced a solicitation for the purchase of an initial 30 million barrels expansion of facility capacity under rural provider and hospital to begin filling the SPR. Solicitations for additional purchases will follow. exception to ownership or investment prohibition during coronavirus.

Rep. Tipton (R-CO) introduced a bill to require data-sharing regarding protecting the homeless from coronavirus.

Rep. Zeldin (R-NY) introduced a bill to require issuance of guidance by the US Interagency Council on Homelessness regarding protecting the homeless for coronavirus.

Rep. Budd (R-NC) introduced a bill to require public housing agencies to inform residents of a public housing project tests positive for coronavirus.

Rep. Stivers (R-OH) introduced a bill to require HUD to issue guidance regarding protecting the homeless who reside in certain federally assisted properties from the coronavirus.

Rep. Pocan (D-WI) introduced a bill to require DOD to make testing for coronavirus available to all members of the Armed Forces deployed to an area in which the US Central Command has responsibility. President Trump signed an Executive Order on Prioritizing and Allocating Health and The Senate passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Medical Resources to Respond to the Spread of Covid-19. Response Act 90-8.

President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to address medical equipment Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced a bill to require the shortages. The Act, passed in 1950, is designed for use during war and allows the President to designate an employee of the NSC to be President to expedite and expand the supply of resources for homeland security, responsible for pandemic prevention and response. energy, or military purposes. March 18 Senator Shaheen (D-NH) introduced a bill to allow a tax credit The Administration requested an additional $45.8 billion in FY20 supplemental funding for certain coronavirus-related charitable contributions for to address the coronavirus outbreak. taxable year 2020.

The White House announced a partnership with the Ad Council, major media Senator Reed (D-RI) introduced a bill to restrict the authority of networks, and digital platforms to effectively communicate accurate and timely the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase or guarantee assets in information directly to the American people. response to the coronavirus disease.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 74 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suspended home Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced a bill to increase the foreclosures and evictions through the end of April. availability of nursing facilities to access to telehealth services and obtain technologies to allow virtual visits during the The Department of Labor announced the availability of up to $100 million for coronavirus public health emergency. Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the pandemic.

The Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a National Interest Exemption memorandum to facilitate response efforts. OFCCP will grant a limited, three-month exemption and waiver from some of the requirements of the laws administered by the agency.

In view of the special circumstances in the national interest presented by the novel coronavirus outbreak, OFCCP will grant a limited, three-month exemption and waiver from some of the requirements of the laws administered by the agency. The FDA issued guidance on conducting clinical trials during the pandemic.

The Federal Reserve Board established a Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility (MMLF) to provide liquidity to the financial system, smooth functioning of money markets, support the flow of credit to Americans, and help stabilize the broader financial system. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) took steps to expand access to Senator Warren (D-MA) introduced a bill to ensure that telehealth services, including expanding Medicare coverage and waiving potential facilities of the Indian Health Service, facilities operated by an HIPAA penalties. Indian tribe, tribal organization, or inter-tribal consortium, and facilities operated by an urban Indian organization receive The Department of Agriculture announced a collaboration with private sector entities items from the strategic national stockpile and qualified to deliver nearly 1,000,000 meals a week to students in a limited number of rural pandemic or epidemic products directly from HHS. schools closed due to the pandemic. Senator Jones (D-AL) introduced a bill to require private health The FDA took steps to help prevent disruptions in the food supply-chain by issuing a insurance to rapidly cover preventative services and vaccines March 17 temporary policy for FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) supplier verification related to the coronavirus. onsite audit requirements during the public health emergency. Senator Warren (D-MA) introduced a bill to transfer all border The Federal Reserve Board established a primary dealer credit facility (PDCF) to wall funding to HHS and USAID to combat coronavirus. address illiquidity, mitigate disruptions in funding markets, support smooth market functioning and help facilitate the availability of credit to American workers and Senator Baldwin (D-WI) introduced a bill to require DOD to businesses. make coronavirus testing available to all members of the Armed Forces deployed to an area in which US Central Command has responsibility.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 75 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Federal Reserve Board established a Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF) to provide short-term credit to American businesses. Senators Markey (D-MA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Whitehouse (D- RI), and Baldwin (D-WI) wrote to Senate leadership and The Small Business Administration (SBA) issued updated criteria on states for Appropriations Committee leadership urging including requesting disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by coronavirus. consumer and labor protections in any emergency spending Under the revised criteria, states or territories are only required to certify that at least package to help the airline and cruise industries. five small businesses within the state/territory have suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of where those businesses are located, to qualify for SBA Disaster Assistance. Further, disaster assistance loans will be available statewide, rather than only within counties identified as disaster areas by a Governor. The White House released The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 The House passed H. Res. 904, technical corrections to H.R. Days to Slow the Spread. 6201, by unanimous consent.

The Department of Homeland Security announced that the United Kingdom and Rep. Jackson Lee (D-TX) introduced a bill to provide certain March 16 Ireland will also be added to the previously announced arrival restrictions that are in unemployment assistance for individuals impacted by effect for the Schengen Area, China, and Iran. quarantine order for a national or state public health emergency. The FDA updated a policy originally issued on February 29 on diagnostic testing for coronavirus in order to achieve more rapid testing capacity. The President issued Proclamation 9996, Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and The House passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 201 Response Act 363-40, 1 present. Novel Coronavirus.

March 14 The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new temporary guidance regarding the enforcement of OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard aimed at ensuring healthcare workers have full access to needed N95 respiratory protection in light of anticipated shortages. President Trump declared a national emergency and invoked the Stafford Act. 85 Fed. Reg. 15337 (Mar. 18, 2020)

The President signed a Memorandum on Expanding State-Approved Diagnostic Tests directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to facilitate state requests for flexibility to authorize laboratories to develop and perform tests used to detect March 13 COVID-19.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) waived certain hours of service regulations for commercial drivers transporting emergency supplies.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 76 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline The Department of Homeland Security issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai issued a Keep Americans Connected Pledge under which telephone and broadband providers agree that for the next 60 days they will: (1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of inability to pay bills due to disruptions caused by the pandemic; (2) waive any late fees incurred as a result of economic circumstances related to the pandemic; and (3) open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American in need.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced expanded eligibility of federal assistance is available under FTA’s Emergency Relief Program to help transit agencies respond to the coronavirus in states where the Governor has declared an emergency.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an expanded list of EPA- registered disinfectant products that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The Department of Labor announced new guidance outlining flexibilities that states Senator Peters (D-MI) introduced the Pandemic Unemployment have in administering their unemployment insurance (UI) programs to assist Assistance Act. Americans affected by the outbreak. Senator Murray (D-WA) introduced the Supporting Students in The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced relief provisions for Response to Coronavirus Act. exporters and financial institutions affected by the pandemic. Senator Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Resilient Elections During The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced disaster assistance loans for small Quarantines and Natural Disasters Act. businesses impacted by coronavirus. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to March 12 $2 million in assistance for a small business. Senator Duckworth (D-IL) introduced a bill to direct DOL to issue an emergency temporary standard that requires certain employers to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to protect employees from exposure to COVID019.

Rep. Luetkemeyer (R-MO) introduced a bill to temporarily prohibit the federal financial regulators from requiring compliance with the CECL Rule by persons impacted by coronavirus.

Current as of 5:00 PM ET 5/15/20 [new updates highlighted in yellow] 77 Federal Coronavirus Response Timeline Rep. Stivers (R-OH) introduced a bill to require a report analyzing the effectiveness of the joint release on coronavirus issued by federal and state financial regulators.

Rep. Scott (D-VA) introduced the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act.

Rep. Kind (D-WI) introduced a bill to provide for coverage of testing for COVID-19 at no cost sharing under the Medicare Advantage program. President Trump signed a Proclamation to suspend the entry of most foreign nationals Senator Udall (D-NM) introduced the Border Health Security who have been in certain European countries (those in the Schengen Area) at any Act. point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. Rep. Delgado (D-NY) introduced the Pandemic Response and The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily waived minimum slot-use Emergency Preparedness Act. requirements at US airports to help airlines that cancel flights due to the coronavirus (expires May 31). Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) introduced the Coronavirus Worker Relief Act.

Rep. DelBene (D-WA) introduced the Assistance for Workers Harmed by COVID-19 Act.

Rep. Fudge (D-OH) introduced the Pandemic EBT Act.

March 11 Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the Resilient Elections During Quarantines and Natural Disasters Act.

Rep. Wilson (D-FL) introduced the No Cost for COVID-19 Testing Act.

Rep. Omar (D-MN) introduced the MEALS Act to grant certain waivers under the National School Lunch Act to address school closures due to COVID-19.

Rep. Horsford (D-NV) introduced the Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act.

Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) introduced the COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act.

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Rep. Murphy (D-FL) introduced the Emergency Paid Leave Act. The FDA postponed most foreign inspections through April. Inspections outside the Rep. DeGette (D-CO) introduced the Covering Coronavirus Test March 10 U.S. deemed mission-critical will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Act. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Rep. Scott (D-VA) introduced the COVID-19 Health Care Worker published “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” to help companies Protection Act. respond in the event of coronavirus in the workplace. March 9 The EPA notified registrants of disinfectants that due to the outbreak, the agency is expediting the review of submissions from companies requesting to add Emerging Viral Pathogens claims to their already-registered surface disinfectant labels. The EPA released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that have qualified for The Senate passed H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 96-1.

Senator Murray (D-WA) introduced the Paid Sick Days for Public March 5 Health Emergencies and Personal Family Care Act.

Rep. Sablan (D-MP) introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Coronavirus Emergency Assistance Act. The House passed H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 415-2. March 4

Rep. Torres Small (D-NM) introduced the Border Health Security March 3 Act. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced the Coronavirus Vaccine Prevention (CDC) took action to make more respirators available to health care Act. March 2 personnel. The FDA granted the CDC’s request for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow health care personnel to use certain industrial respirators during the COVID-19 outbreak in health care settings.

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